How a brutal sledge from cricket legend Shane Warne a DECADE ago spurred Aussie quick Mitchell Starc to new heights
- Shane Warne called Mitchell Starc ‘soft’ in 2014
- Starc used the wild sled as motivation
- Now the spearhead of the Australian pace attack
The late Shane Warne was never one to mince his words – and labeling Mitchell Starc as ‘soft’ a decade ago could have quickly destroyed the Australian.
Warne later clarified his comments and was adamant that he was referring to the left-arm paceman’s soft body language in a Test match against India.
But in the eyes of many cricket fans, the damage had already been done – and it was up to Starc to respond.
Fast forward to 2024 and Starc, 34, is leading Australia’s attack – and has 369 Test wickets to his name.
He is also approaching 100 Test matches for his country – and while Starc will never publicly admit that Warne got under his skin, his post-spray stats tell the story.
According to News CorpBefore being called up by Warne in 2014, Starc’s career included 45 wickets from 14 Tests at an average of 36.
The late Shane Warne was never one to mince his words – and labeling Mitchell Starc as ‘soft’ a decade ago could have quickly destroyed the Aussie
Instead of biting back, Starc went away and worked on his game – he now has 369 Test wickets to his name and is approaching 100 red-ball appearances for Australia
His sledge career after Warne is impressive: 77 Tests and 324 wickets at 26.
At the time, a blunt Starc told reporters: “he [Warne] gets paid to talk [in commentary]and I get paid to play cricket.”
He then added, “Warnie’s been on my back for years, so I’m not too worried about it.”
It comes as Starc looms as a key figure for the hosts in the third Test at the Gabba starting on Saturday.
He will take the new ball in Brisbane, with Josh Hazlewood returning to the XI at the expense of Scott Boland.
Meanwhile, batsman Marnus Labuschagne has responded to recent criticism from ex-teammate David Warner, who suggested the Queenslander is showing a ‘lack of awareness’ around the crease.
‘I’d like to see him [Warner] Look how many times I’ve been caught in the ditch, because apparently I get out of there every week,” said an excited Labuschagne.
“And when I look back, all I can remember is being caught in a gully twice.
‘[It seems] everyone is here to write articles… ultimately I’m not here to please everyone. I’m here to win games for Australia.’