5 Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc

With a classic left-armer’s action and the ability to swing the ball at pace, Starc announced himself in just his second international match, taking 4-27 in an ODI against Sri Lanka at the Gabba in 2010. In Test cricket however, it wasn’t until 2012 that he first picked up a big haul, taking eight wickets for the match against South Africa in Perth. He followed it up by bowling Australia to victory against Sri Lanka in Hobart, taking 5-63. Australia’s title-winning 2015 World Cup campaign brought out the very best in him - he was deservedly named player of the tournament for his tally of 22 wickets. In November 2017, Starc became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in each innings of a Marsh Shield match, while playing for New South Wales against Western Australia. His 200th Test scalp came in February 2019, securing his spot alongside some of the greats of the game.

Starc began his under-age career as a wicketkeeper before being convinced to abandon the gloves and turn to fast bowling.