How veteran Aussie paceman Mitchell Starc made his critics eat their words when it mattered at ODI World Cup

• Mitchell Starc roared to life in ODI World Cup semi-final
• Veteran quick snared 3/34 in win over South Africa 
• Relative Ian Healy called for him to step up pre-game

Veteran paceman Mitchell Starc proved form is temporary and class is permanent after playing a lead role in Australia’s victory over South Africa to reach the ODI World Cup final. 

Starc, 33, had been called out for his inability to take early wickets heading into the clash with the Proteas, but the left-arm quick answered his critics after snaring 3/34 from his 10 overs.

He dismissed Temba Bavuma for a duck in the first over, before picking up in-form batsman Aiden Markram not long after.

Heading into the semi-final, Starc had only taken four wickets in the powerplay across the tournament at an average of 34.75 – and 10 wickets overall at 43.90. 

But cometh the hour, cometh the man.

Mitchell Starc proved form is temporary and class is permanent after playing a lead role in Australia’s victory over South Africa to reach the ODI World Cup final

Starc, 33, had been called out for his inability to take early wickets heading into the clash with the Proteas – including by his relative Ian Healy (pictured)

Aussie cricket greats Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy both called for Australia’s pace trio of Starc, Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins to deliver on the biggest stage – and they did so in emphatic fashion.

Hazelwood finished with the incredible figures of 2/12 from eight overs – the most economical figures of an Aussie bowler in an ODI in 17 years – and Cummins took three wickets. 

To cap off an impressive performance, Starc also made a priceless 16 not out with the bat as he and Cummins (14 not out) got the Aussies home with 16 balls to spare.

It was the perfect response from Starc, who no doubt would have been stung by the criticism from Healy, who is a family relative.

Starc is married to Alyssa Healy, who is the niece of the decorated Australian wicketkeeper. 

Australia have now won eight matches on the bounce on the subcontinent, and will relish the underdog tag in Sunday’s decider against India, who remain unbeaten. 

‘The good thing is a few of us have been there for a final before, so we can draw on that,’ Cummins said. 

‘The stadium is going to be pretty one-sided I reckon. So you just have to embrace it and enjoy it.’

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