Mitchell Starc Makes ICC History with Remarkable Batting Feat

Starc's Historic Achievement

On Friday, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player to score a half-century from the ninth batting position or lower in an ICC tournament knockout match.

Typically recognized for his exceptional bowling skills, Starc displayed an unexpected talent with the bat during a crucial moment in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) against South Africa at Lord's.

Starc's Performance in Detail

In his innings, Starc managed to score an impressive 58 not out off 136 deliveries, hitting five boundaries. He formed a crucial 59-run partnership for the last wicket with Josh Hazlewood, marking his 11th Test half-century.

Starc holds the record for the most half-centuries in Tests from the ninth position or lower, with eight to his name. He shares the distinction of having five scores of 50 or more from this position in a single country with Stuart Broad, both achieved in England.

Match Overview: South Africa vs Australia

In the match, Australia batted first but found themselves in trouble at 67 for 4 by the end of the first session. A partnership of 79 runs between Steve Smith (66 runs off 112 balls) and Beau Webster (72 runs off 92 balls) helped stabilize the innings, along with Webster's 46-run partnership with Alex Carey (23 runs off 31 balls).

Despite this, South African bowlers Kagiso Rabada (5 wickets for 51 runs) and Marco Jansen (3 wickets for 49 runs) kept the pressure on, limiting Australia to 212 runs.

South Africa's batting began poorly, losing four wickets for just 43 runs by the end of the first day, with none of their batsmen scoring over 20 runs.

On the second day, South Africa showed more intent, with captain Temba Bavuma (36 runs off 84 balls) and David Bedingham (45 runs off 111 balls) forming a half-century partnership. However, Pat Cummins delivered a remarkable bowling performance, taking 6 wickets for 28 runs, leading to South Africa's collapse at just 138 runs, leaving them 74 runs behind.

In Australia's second innings, South Africa's bowlers struck again, reducing them to 73 for 7. Nevertheless, Alex Carey (43 runs off 50 balls) and Starc combined for a 61-run partnership, ending day two at 144 for 8.

On the third day, South Africa dismissed Nathan Lyon early, but Starc and Hazlewood (17 runs off 53 balls) added a vital 59 runs together. Australia was eventually all out for 207, setting South Africa a target of 282 runs to claim the ICC WTC mace. Rabada (4 wickets for 59 runs) and Lungi Ngidi (3 wickets for 38 runs) were the standout bowlers for South Africa.