Mitchell Starc turned heads during Australia’s practice session ahead of the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 by using a unique half-red, half-white cricket ball. Known to enhance hand-eye coordination and promote prodigious swing, this ball offers an intriguing training edge.
Starc, one of the rare fast bowlers capable of swinging the white ball—which traditionally offers minimal lateral movement—used this innovative tool to simulate tough batting conditions for the Australian batters. Facing a bowler of Starc’s calibre with such a challenging ball provides invaluable preparation for the five-match Test series against India.
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Reports suggest that the Indian batters have struggled to handle lateral movement during their match simulations in Perth. Australia may see this as an opportunity to exploit a potential weakness by preparing a pitch conducive to swing bowling. However, such a strategy could backfire, as India’s current lineup boasts several bowlers adept at thriving in swinging conditions.
Mitchell Starc was seen using a ball that was half red and half white to assist batters in practicing for lateral movement.
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This might explain why Australian batters are focusing on sharpening their skills against the moving ball. Statistically, Starc has had a moderate year in 2024, claiming 27 wickets in 10 innings at an average of 32.25 and a strike rate of 49.60.
While his economy rate of 3.89 is an improvement from last year’s 4.44, it’s his wicket-taking ability that Australia will count on. Captain Pat Cummins is unlikely to worry about Starc’s economy if he can deliver breakthroughs at crucial junctures.
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Against India, however, Mitchell Starc has historically struggled, with an average of 38.54 in Test cricket—the highest among all teams he has faced. As the Aussies aim to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2017, Starc’s performance will be under scrutiny. Success in this series could not only improve his record against India but also play a pivotal role in Australia’s bid for redemption
