December 8, 2024: Mitchell Starc’s comments after Australia’s commanding 10-wicket victory over India in the Adelaide Test highlight not just his personal performance but also the team’s resilience and approach following their heavy defeat in Perth. Starc, who was instrumental in dismantling India’s batting lineup, described the win as a “positive win,” underlining the bounce-back from a tough loss in the first Test.
Starc acknowledged the criticism that followed the Perth defeat, emphasizing how the Australian side kept a strong mental focus and didn’t dwell on the past. His comment, “We left Perth in Perth,” reflects the team’s determination to focus on the present and not let external pressure affect their performance. It’s clear that Australia’s confidence and positive mindset were central to their success in Adelaide.
The mention of the pink ball was also insightful. Starc explained that the pink ball behaves more like the white ball than the traditional red ball, which is a key point in understanding the challenges of day-night Test cricket. The pink ball tends to swing and move more in the air, especially under lights, which gives fast bowlers an advantage if they can bowl fuller lengths and exploit the conditions. Starc’s fuller lengths and ability to move the ball both ways were key to his success, and it’s evident that he has refined his game, adding new skills over time. His ability to swing the ball away and bring it back in, along with his pace, has made him an even more dangerous prospect for any batting lineup.
Starc also spoke highly of his long-time bowling partner Pat Cummins, mentioning how he’s learned from him over the years. This camaraderie and exchange of knowledge between the two fast bowlers has clearly paid off, with Starc becoming more consistent and effective in his bowling.
The match in Adelaide saw Australia’s bowlers—Starc and Cummins in particular—dominate, while the batsmen were also aggressive and clinical. Their all-around performance ensured a series-levelling victory, with the series now at 1-1. Starc’s ability to hit the stumps and his positive mindset were key components of the victory, and his confidence going into the third Test will be a major asset for Australia.
For India, the loss in Adelaide was a wake-up call, especially in pink-ball Tests, where their record has been inconsistent. The Indian batsmen struggled against the swinging ball, and they will need to regroup quickly if they are to challenge Australia in the upcoming matches.
