Mitchell Starc, one of modern cricket’s finest fast bowlers, has named the Indian batter he would least like to face in English conditions — and it’s none other than India’s red-hot Test captain, Shubman Gill. Speaking candidly on the Willow Talk podcast, the Australian pace spearhead confessed that Gill’s sublime touch with the bat in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has made him a nightmare proposition for any bowler, especially on the flat pitches of England.
“I wouldn’t bowl to him in England, that’s for sure,” Mitchell Starc said with a chuckle, reflecting on Gill’s breathtaking knocks of 269 and 161 in the second Test at Edgbaston. “Who would want to be a young quick in England bowling on those kinds of wickets? From what I’ve heard, it’s been very subcontinent-like — hard to believe, really.”
Gill’s form since taking over the Test captaincy has been nothing short of extraordinary. He kicked off his tenure with a brilliant 147 in the first Test and has followed it up with monumental scores, making bowlers toil in conditions once considered seam-friendly.
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With boundary ropes pushed back and pitches offering little assistance, Gill’s ability to convert starts into match-defining innings has impressed seasoned campaigners like Starc.
Interestingly, when asked by his wife and Australian women’s team captain Alyssa Healy if England’s high scores worry him ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes, Mitchell Starc remained unfazed. “I don’t read into any of it,” he replied. “They’re playing on absolute highways. What do you take out of 300 runs for a Test match and then India bowling them out? They’re not playing for draws, and that’s something to respect.”
Starc, who is gearing up for his 100th Test against the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, reflected on his career longevity. Set to become just the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath to reach the 100-Test milestone, Starc credited his resilience and support system.
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“I’ve found ways to push through pain barriers and be effective for my team,” he said. “I’ve been that injured player before who left the team a man down — and I never wanted to be that again. It’s about learning to manage your body, having a great support team, and being surrounded by mates who’ve shared this journey.”
At 34, Starc’s hunger remains undiminished. But for now, he’d rather not see Shubman Gill walk out to bat if he’s holding the red ball in England.
