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Mitchell Starc’s career-best performance against India in Adelaide may have been sparked by a cheeky comment from Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, according to former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.  

During the second Test, Starc dismissed Jaiswal for a golden duck on the very first ball, a stark contrast to Jaiswal's heroic 161-run innings in the series opener in Perth. Ponting, speaking on The ICC Review with Sanjana Ganesan, suggested that Jaiswal’s remark about Starc “bowling too slow” in Perth may have fueled the pacer’s fiery performance in Adelaide.  

“Mitchell Starc is typically calm and collected, but comments like that can light a fire inside him. That cheeky smile he gives might hide the intensity he brings to the game,” Ponting explained.  

STARC’S MASTERCLASS SETS THE TONE  

Starc’s opening delivery in Adelaide—a peach of a ball—removed Jaiswal and set the stage for a dominant Australian performance. Starc went on to claim remarkable figures of 6/48 in the first innings, a spell Ponting described as "outstanding."  

Ponting also lauded Australia’s senior players for stepping up after a disappointing loss in Perth. “Cummins and Starc had to lead by example, and they delivered. Starc’s early strike set the tone, and the entire team built on that momentum,” he said.  

Travis Head’s contribution with the bat and Pat Cummins' performance with the ball further bolstered Australia’s convincing 10-wicket victory, leveling the series 1-1.  

STARC’S LEGACY IN FOCUS  

At 34, Starc remains one of modern cricket’s most decorated pacers. With 692 international wickets and victories in two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups (2015, 2023), the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup (2021), and the ICC World Test Championship (2023), his achievements are unparalleled.  

Yet, Ponting believes Starc’s recent consistency makes him even more formidable. “He’s in his prime right now, bowling with the same pace as before but with far better control. His pink-ball dominance reflects his ability to adapt, and his record with the white ball underscores his versatility,” Ponting noted.  

THE ROAD AHEAD  

As the series moves to the Gabba for the third Test, both teams are vying for a crucial win to edge closer to the ICC World Test Championship Final. With Starc in sublime form and Australia’s senior players stepping up, the battle in Brisbane promises to be a thrilling contest.  

Ponting summed it up best: “Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood could dominate for years to come. Their resilience and skill are a testament to Australia’s cricketing strength.”