Australia is sending a clear warning to their World Cup opponents as Mitchell Starc, the ace pacer, showcased a phenomenal performance against the Netherlands in a warm-up match in Thiruvananthapuram. Starc’s exceptional hat-trick has raised concerns for India just days before their World Cup opener.
Having arrived in India ahead of other teams, Australia engaged in a three-match ODI series against the Men In Blue. Despite a lackluster start in the first two ODIs, Australia bounced back with an outstanding display in the third ODI in Rajkot. In a dead rubber match, they posted an imposing total of 352/7 in 50 overs, with their top four batsmen inflicting significant damage. David Warner scored 56 off 34 balls, while Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne contributed in their 70s. Mitchell Marsh narrowly missed a century, falling four runs short. In response, India managed only 286 runs before losing all their wickets in 49.4 overs.
Fast forward three days, and it’s Australia’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, who are taking center stage. In the warm-up match against the Netherlands, Starc dismantled the Dutch top order, securing a hat-trick.
Starc wasted no time, making an impact in the very first over of the Netherlands’ run-chase. He dismissed Max ODowd and Wesley Barresi in consecutive deliveries with deadly inswingers, leaving the batters with no response. ODowd was trapped LBW, while Barresi’s stumps were dismantled by a well-angled delivery pitching outside the off-stump.
The destruction continued in Starc’s next over as he got rid of Bas de Leede in the first ball, completing his hat-trick. Leede was outdone by an inch-perfect yorker, with the ball knocking the stumps. Sean Abbott joined the party, delivering an unplayable delivery to dismiss Sybrand Engelbrecht. Abbott pitched it perfectly, beating Engelbrecht as the ball kissed the top of the off-stump.
Despite the rain-shortened contest, with both teams playing 23 overs, Australia posted 166/7. Rain once again interrupted the match, forcing officials to call off the game as the Netherlands stood at 84/6 in 14.2 overs. Starc’s exceptional performance is now a cause for concern for India as they gear up for the World Cup opener.