In a seesaw battle yesterday at Trent Bridge, the Aussies reigned supreme against a resurgent Windies side. The Aussies are on a winning roll as they notched up their 10th successive ODI wins.
The high scoring Trent bridge ground in Nottingham has seen sides in the past chase nig totals down. Windies had to chase a modest 289 on a relatively flat deck. The sun was shining and all eyes were set on the destructive Windies batting lineup. There was another man who was looking to stamp his authority in this years' Cricket world cup.
Mitchell Starc the man of the series in last year’s cricket World cup, a man who is no stranger to the big stage as he has single-handedly won Australia games in big events. Starc was up against a formidable batting line up, but the left arm seamer was on the money straight away, he was all over like a rash on the Windies legend Chris Gayle. After surviving multiple times Gayle finally was put out of his misery by Starc with a lethal inswinging delivery that trapped him right in front. The replays showed that the ball before the dismissal ball was a no-ball but umpire a Chris Gaffney did not signal it and Starc got the big fish. Batsman wins you games but bowlers win you a championship, the following statement is accurately applicable on Starc as he is a genuine wicket taker that on his day can run through any side in the world.
Andre Russell the MVP of the recently concluded IPL, was showing signs that he would take the game away from the Aussies in no time, captain Finch needed a wicket he then turned back to his Trump card Starc. First up Starc greeted Russell with a bumper, to which he had no answer he somehow ducked under it and got ready for the next ball. Russell was already stationed on the back foot expecting another bouncer, Starc bowled it right up to Russell and he got his front leg out of the way and leathered it past mid off for a boundary. Starc had a wry smile on his face, this was a battle for the ages on the biggest stage of cricket. The Trent bridge crowd was greeted to a mouth-watering clash between to outstanding cricketers.
Something had to give, Starc steadied himself on his bowling mark and ran in, Russell gave himself room to hit it over extra cover but Starc followed him and induced a leading edge, Maxwell circled under it and finally caught it. Starc got the prized wicket and turned the tide in Australia’s favour.
Windies then regrouped courtesy of their captain Holder and all-rounder Braithwaite and had the match under their control. In the 47th over of the match Captain Finch then turned back to his strike bowler and like always he did not disappoint as he removed both the set batsman in the same over.
Starc had again single-handedly turned the match on its head, as he picked the First five-wicket haul of this year’s World cup. Australia ultimately won the match and in the process, Starc became the quickest bowler to scalp 150 wickets. Starc ended with figures of 5-46 and once again proved to the world that he is a showman and a man for big occasions.
