Veteran England pacer James Anderson has singled out Australian and IPL star Mitchell Starc for high praise, citing his consistent effort and intensity throughout the recent Ashes series. Anderson, reflecting on England's 4-1 series defeat, contrasted Starc's performance—which saw him named Player of the Series—with the culture of praising mere "effort" within the England camp.
Anderson noted that Starc bowled with unwavering speed and commitment, even on the final day of the last Test, setting a benchmark for professional fast bowling. He emphasized that such dedication should be the expected standard, not something to be lauded. Starc's dominant performance, where he took 31 wickets and scored 163 runs, clearly left a lasting impression on the English legend.
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“Starc, for me, was the absolute standout of the series. He bowled on Day 5 of the final Test as quickly as he had bowled all series long. He was consistent with his speeds. But that is what you expect from all your bowlers. That is the standard. It always annoys me (when someone says) ‘can’t fault your efforts’. Well, the effort shouldn’t be a thing. It should just be in you.”
Bowlers and all-rounders with highest bowled percentage showing pace and spin effectiveness (minimum 15 wickets)
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“Starc, for me, was the absolute standout of the series. He bowled on Day 5 of the final Test as quickly as he had bowled all series long. He was consistent with his speeds. But that is what you expect from all your bowlers. That is the standard. It always annoys me (when someone says) ‘can’t fault your efforts’. Well, the effort shouldn’t be a thing. It should just be in you.”