Mitchell Starc described his brilliant return catch to dismiss Zak Crawley as more luck than skill after taking his eighth wicket of the match.
Mitchell Starc produced a moment of pure athletic brilliance to dismiss Zak Crawley for a second time in the Perth Ashes Test, then humbly credited “mostly luck” for the spectacular catch. The fast bowler’s stunning follow-through grab left England reeling early in their second innings.
The dismissal occurred in the very first over of England’s chase after they had bowled Australia out for 132. From over the wicket, Starc delivered a good-length ball that finished around off stump. Crawley, uncertain in his shot, pushed half-heartedly and sent the ball looping back toward the bowler.
Mitchell Starc’s Modest Reaction
What followed showcased extraordinary reflexes from the 35-year-old quick. Starc swiftly dove to his left on his follow-through, grasping the ball with fingers firmly underneath. The crowd erupted as the Australian celebrated removing Crawley for a second duck in the match.
Speaking at the lunch, Starc downplayed his athletic achievement with characteristic modesty. “I don’t think I can take another one like that as I can’t move that well. That was one that just sticks. It was just reaction,” Starc admitted.
“Mostly there wasn’t much skill in it. Just luck. I felt it was straight in and my fingers were underneath so I feel it’s a justice for the Lord’s catch,” Starc concluded.
The reference to “Lord’s catch” suggests Starc felt some redemption after previous fielding lapses at the historic ground. His reaction time was particularly impressive given he bowls consistently above 140 kph, leaving minimal opportunity to adjust position after delivery.
The catch compounded Starc’s dominance in the match, coming after his seven-wicket haul in England’s first innings. His all-round contribution has positioned Australia strongly in the Ashes opener, demonstrating that even when not bowling, the veteran remains a potent threat in the field.
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