Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc once again reminded everyone why he is one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket. Starc delivered a fiery spell in the ongoing Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground that left fans and selectors equally impressed.
Mitchell Starc pitched in with a devastating yorker that went on to bamboozle opener Harry Dixon, which stood out as the highlight of the match. The left-arm pace-bowling machine warmed up for the Ashes with a fiery four-wicket spell.
Mitchell Starc finished with impressive figures of 4 for 91, wherein he dismantled Victoria’s top order with his sheer pace and precision. It was not just another domestic performance; it was a statement. With the Ashes 2025-26 just around the corner, Starc’s form is a big positive for Australia, especially with captain Pat Cummins expected to miss the opening Test in Perth due to a back injury.
Starc struck early and often, leading New South Wales’ charge as Victoria closed day one on 340 for 7. His fellow Australian teammates Nathan Lyon (2 for 65) and Sean Abbott (1 for 63) provided steady support, while Josh Hazlewood (0 for 54) went wicketless despite maintaining tight lines through his 18 overs.
Mitchell Starc stuns Harry Dixon with a toe-crushing yorker
The standout moment of the day came when Starc bowled one of his unplayable yorkers to dismiss Victoria opener Harry Dixon. Dixon was batting confidently on 20 until Starc produced a late-swinging delivery that tailed in viciously at a high pace. The ball crashed straight into Dixon’s toe before he could bring his bat down.
Starc immediately went up in appeal, and the umpire’s finger went up right away. Dixon limped off in pain, while Starc celebrated with his trademark roar. That wicket opened the floodgates, as he went on to remove Oliver Peake, Campbell Kellaway, and Sam Harper, breaking through Victoria’s top and middle order.
Starc has built a reputation as one of the best yorker specialists in world cricket over the years. His yorkers are often compared to the great Wasim Akram’s deliveries, and his consistency in producing them under pressure makes him one of Australia’s most valuable assets.
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NSW dominate as Starc leads the charge
While Starc led the attack with aggression and intensity, Nathan Lyon’s clever off-spin from the other end ensured Victoria never got too comfortable. Lyon picked up two crucial wickets in the middle session, exploiting the SCG’s turn and bounce. Sean Abbott also struck once to remove the well-set Fergus O’Neill, keeping NSW in control despite some resistance from Victoria’s lower order.
By the end of the day, Victoria were 340 for 7, a total that could have been much worse had it not been for some late resilience. But the story of the day was still about Starc’s dominance and his ability to make things happen with the ball.
Mitchell Starc’s form a huge boost for Australia ahead of the Ashes
For Australia, Starc’s return to rhythm couldn’t have come at a better time. With Cummins sidelined, Starc and Hazlewood are expected to lead the pace attack against England in the much-awaited Ashes series. His performance in the Sheffield Shield sends a clear message: he’s ready.
Selectors will be thrilled to see Starc bowling with such fire, hitting the right lengths, moving the ball both ways, and maintaining his pace throughout long spells. The yorker to Harry Dixon will be replayed many times over, not just for its brilliance, but as a reminder of what Starc brings when he’s at his best.
On the other hand, Scott Boland, also playing in this fixture, is expected to fill in for Cummins. Boland’s record at home is outstanding, with 49 wickets in just nine Tests, including his unforgettable 6 for 7 against England at the MCG in 2021.
