Mitchell Starc's Historic Half-Century Bolsters Australia in WTC Final
Starc Shines in WTC Final
Mitchell Starc showcased his value as a lower-order batsman in Test cricket once again. During the second innings of the 2025 World Test Championship Final at Lord's, he scored a crucial half-century, extending Australia's lead to 281 runs.
The match was intense, with both teams striving to gain the upper hand. Despite South Africa's early breakthroughs, which put pressure on the Australian batting lineup, Starc maintained his composure and delivered a vital performance.
He played some impressive shots, effectively rotated the strike, and remained steady when Australia needed him the most. Starc faced 136 deliveries, the highest number by any player in the first three innings of this match. At one stage, it seemed challenging for Australia to surpass the 200-run mark. However, a partnership worth 59 runs between Starc (58*) and Hazlewood (17) propelled Australia to a total of 207 in their second innings.
Starc Sets Record for 50+ Scores from Lower Order
This half-century was not just significant for the team; it also etched Starc's name in the record books. With this innings, he now holds the record for the most 50+ scores while batting at number 9 or lower, totaling eight such scores in Test cricket.
Here’s a look at the players with the highest number of 50+ scores from the lower order:
| Player | Half-Centuries at No. 9 or below | Country |
| Mitchell Starc | 8 | Australia |
| Stuart Broad | 6 | England |
| Daniel Vettori | 6 | New Zealand |
| Michael Holding | 5 | West Indies |
| Kiran More | 5 | India |
| Tim Southee | 5 | New Zealand |
| Graeme Swann | 5 | England |
Only two players, Mitchell Starc and Stuart Broad, have achieved five 50+ scores from the lower order in a single country, both in England.
Starc's contributions have often been pivotal for Australia, and this latest half-century in a high-stakes final underscores his importance. With the match still finely balanced, Starc's innings could prove to be a decisive factor, as chasing over 250 runs at Lord's will be a formidable challenge for South Africa.