Sports
Mitchell Starc Dominates South Africa with Six-Wicket Haul at Newlands
On the first day of the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town, Australia’s left‑arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc delivered a standout performance, taking six wickets for 72 runs in 16.3 overs. Starc began the innings with a difficult start, conceding 59 runs in his first ten overs. He finally claimed his first wicket after 12 overs, dismissing David Bedingham, followed by Wiaan Mulder two balls later.
Starc’s best spell came in the final six deliveries of the innings, when he removed Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada and a fourth South African batsman, reducing the Proteas from 327/6 to 329 all out. His figures of 6/72 were the most economical of the day.
The Australian bowler has been the leading wicket‑taker in Test cricket since 2020, with 217 wickets from 54 matches. Since 2025, he has taken 84 Test wickets in 17 matches at an average of 18.09, with best figures of 7/58. He is also the leading left‑arm pacer in Tests, with 457 wickets from 110 matches.
Starc, who is just three months away from his 37th birthday, continues to play with intensity and remains a key player for Australia as they aim for further success in the Ashes and the 2027 World Cup.