Mitchell Starc is blowing hot and cold since the last 12 months. His last most memorable performance came during Australia’s tour of South Africa in February-March 2018, but since then both Starc and Australia found it hard to perform well. Australia lost a home series against arch-rival India and was beaten by every other opponent they played since Steve Smith and David Warner’s suspension.

In the five Test matches that Starc played this summer, he only managed 15 wickets at an average of 36. The former Australian cricketers took no time in pointing out the dip in his performance. Mark Waugh is the latest edition to that list as he asked the fast-bowler to get his acts together.

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However, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon came in full support to his teammate and reminded everyone about Starc’s achievement. The lanky pacer completed 200 Test wickets during the first Test against Sri Lanka at Brisbane, but he was expected to touch this feet during the India series, where he failed miserably.

Talking to cricket.com.au, Lyon quoted “I don’t understand all the criticism, to be honest. He has 200 Test wickets, so if anyone can get 200 Test wickets you must know what you are doing… Mitch has got all of my support and everyone’s support in that change room, so it is pretty unfair criticism in my eyes.”

Australia thrashed a rather weaker Sri Lanka in the opening Test of two-match series by an innings and 40 runs. Jhye Richardson made an impressive debut at Brisbane, which made the things pretty much hard for Starc. He is not under the scanner of critics and has to fire back very soon.

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Australia would love to see him back in rhythm as he was very instrumental during Australia’s record fifth World Cup-winning campaign in 2015. Starc was named the man of the tournament for taking most number of wickets.