Ricky Ponting Praises Mitchell Starc's Exceptional Bowling Skills

Ponting Commends Starc's Performance

Melbourne [Australia], December 24: Ricky Ponting, the former captain of Australia, has expressed admiration for fast bowler Mitchell Starc, stating that he has never witnessed Starc perform better than he is currently. Ponting noted that Starc has diversified his bowling skills, moving beyond just being a new-ball and reverse-swing expert.

In 2025, Starc has been in phenomenal form, taking 51 wickets across 10 matches with an impressive average of 17.15, making him the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket this year.

His remarkable performance has played a crucial role in Australia achieving a commanding 3-0 lead in the ongoing Ashes series against England, where he has claimed 22 wickets in just three matches at an average of 17.04.

During an appearance on the ICC Review Podcast, Ponting lauded Starc's recent achievements, emphasizing that he has never seen the bowler perform at such a high level. He remarked that Starc has enhanced his skill set, adding new dimensions that have transformed him into a more well-rounded bowler.

“I don’t think I’ve seen him bowl better. His performance with the new ball has been remarkable. He has always been recognized as a new-ball bowler and a proficient reverse-swing bowler, but he has incorporated various skills that have made him a more complete bowler,” Ponting stated.

Ponting elaborated that Starc has introduced a dependable wobble seam delivery that moves away from right-handed batsmen, providing him with greater consistency while still utilizing his full in-swinging delivery as his main weapon.

“He no longer solely depends on the big in-swinger to right-handers. The wobble seam delivery that moves across right-handers gives him much more reliability. He understands the line and length for this delivery, while his primary strike weapon remains the fuller in-swinging ball to right-handers,” Ponting concluded.