Mitchell Starc’s Top 5 Deliveries That Left Batsmen Speechless

 

When you think of modern fast bowling, one name shines brighter than most—Mitchell Starc. The Australian left-arm pacer is a nightmare for even the best batsmen, with his furious pace, deadly swing, and unmatched accuracy. Some of his deliveries have become legendary, leaving audiences and batsmen in awe.

This post highlights Mitchell Starc’s top five deliveries that left batsmen speechless, taking you through cricketing moments that have made history and taught valuable lessons in resilience, dedication, and mastery.

1. The Record-Breaking Spell—Kingston, Jamaica 2025

The Scene: Third Test vs West Indies, July 2025, Sabina Park, Kingston.

In his 100th Test match, Starc produced one of the greatest spells in Test cricket. With the West Indies chasing 204 runs, he dismissed the first five batsmen in just 15 balls—a new world record for the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history.

His opening over was pure magic: an outswinger to John Campbell had the batsman caught behind on the very first ball. The next two balls removed were Kevlon Anderson (LBW) and Brandon King (bowled). Starc then trapped Mikyle Louis LBW for his 400th Test wicket. Shai Hope was his fifth victim soon after, completing astonishing figures of 6 wickets for 9 runs.

Why It’s Unforgettable?:

• Showcased Starc’s skill, speed, and mental strength under immense pressure.

• Cemented his position as one of the world’s most feared bowlers.

• Created a moment that will be talked about for generations.

Value for Readers: Witnessing such a spell reminds us of the importance of seizing big moments and pushing boundaries.

2. The “Banana Swing” Yorker—Adelaide, 2024 vs India

The Scene: Day-Night Test against India, Adelaide Oval, 2024.

Starc’s signature weapon, the swinging yorker, took center stage again. With the pink ball under lights, he bowled an outswinging yorker that curved sharply, beating Yashasvi Jaiswal and sending his middle stump flying with the very first delivery. Later, he dismissed KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy—all victims to his relentless pace and swing, finishing with career-best figures of 6/48.

Why It’s Unforgettable?:

• Demonstrated control over both swing and length.

• Showed how a first-ball wicket can set the tone for an entire match.

Value for Readers: Preparation, mastering your skillset, and delivering at the right moment separates good from great.

3. The Inswinging Thunderbolt—Galle, 2016 vs Sri Lanka

The Scene: Second Test at Galle, 2016.

On a turning pitch in Sri Lanka, Starc showed his versatility. He unleashed a perfect inswinger to Dimuth Karunaratne, nipping the ball back sharply and rattling the stumps. It was a bowler’s dream delivery, one that left commentators, crowds, and Karunaratne stunned. Starc went on to claim 6/50 in that second innings, becoming the best fast bowler at Galle.

Why It’s Unforgettable?:

• Proved his ability to shine on spin-friendly pitches.

• Perfect blend of pace, swing, and angle.

Value for Readers: Adaptability is key; Starc showed how you can find success even in adverse situations if you trust your process.

4. The Classic Ashes Yorker—Nottingham, 2015 vs England

The Scene: 2015 Ashes series, Test at Nottingham.

Starc delivered an unplayable yorker to Ben Stokes, swinging in late and spearing into the base of leg stump. England’s batsman had no answer as the stumps flew. This spell gave him figures of 6/111 and kept Australia’s hopes alive in a tough Ashes series.

Why It’s Unforgettable?:

• The perfect setup and execution against a top-class batsman.

• Classic example of how raw pace can dismantle technique.

Value for Readers: Trust your strengths—sometimes, going back to your core skill can create unforgettable results.

5. The Debut Brilliance—6/154, Perth, 2012 vs South Africa

The Scene: Starc’s fifth-best figures, Perth, 2012.

As a young fast bowler, Starc impressed against a formidable South African lineup. His lethal mix of bounce and sharp swing rattled legends like Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers. Ending with 6/154, this delivery spelled the beginning of a remarkable Test career.

Why It’s Unforgettable?:

• Showed Starc’s potential early on.

• Removed some of the best batsmen in world cricket.

Value for Readers: Never underestimate the importance of your early steps—confidence and excellence built then can define your journey ahead.

Why Fans Love Watching Starc Bowl

• Raw Speed: Consistently clocks 150 km/h+ speeds, making him fearsome.

• Deadly Swing: Especially effective under lights and with the pink ball.

• Never Say Die: Starc’s career is full of comebacks from injuries and setbacks.

Final Thoughts

Mitchell Starc’s career teaches us the value of resilience, adaptability, and embracing the challenges head-on. Every delivery tells a story—a story that inspires cricket lovers and athletes around the world. Whether you’re a budding bowler, a fan of the sport, or simply admire greatness, Starc’s magical moments on the pitch are a testament to what dedication and passion can achieve.

Also Read: Mitchell Starc Equals the Record IND vs AUS