NEW DELHI: When they play Australia in the fourth Test of the series at the Boxing Day Test, India would have to exercise caution against left-arm bowler Mitchell Starc, who is not only in outstanding form in the series but is also getting close to a significant milestone.
With two games remaining and the series tied at one, the bowlers have a great deal of pressure to take 20 wickets and keep the batting team from reaching a significant score.
Starc has already claimed 14 wickets at an average of 22.85 in three Test matches, including a 6/48 spell that stunned India at Adelaide Oval in the pink-ball Test. He currently ranks as the series’ second-highest wicket-taker.
The 34-year-old left-armer needs just five more wickets to reach 700 international scalps, that will make him the fourth Australian bowler to reach the milestone following spinner Shane Warne (1,001), Glenn McGrath (949), and Brett Lee (718).
Starc has taken 695 wickets at an average of 25.67 in 284 international matches. His best records are 6/28 and 24 five-wicket hauls.
In addition, Starc is one wicket away from reaching 100 international wickets against India, making him the 14th player overall and just the third Australian player after Nathan Lyon and Lee to reach that milestone.
With a best performance of 6/51, Starc has taken 99 wickets against India at an average of 33.51 in 45 games, with three five-wicket hauls.
