Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc produced a blistering spell of fast bowling in the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, sending a strong reminder of his form ahead of The Ashes 2025.
Mitchell Starc warms up for the Ashes with fiery four-wicket spell
Starc claimed 4 for 91 – dismantling Victoria’s top order and delivering one of the most memorable moments of the opening day – a fiery yorker to dismiss Harry Dixon.
Playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Starc showcased his trademark pace, movement and accuracy, striking early and often as Victoria ended day one on 340 for 7. His Australia teammates Nathan Lyon (2 for 65) and Sean Abbott (1 for 63) also chipped in, while Josh Hazlewood (0 for 54) remained wicketless despite a consistent 18-over spell.
Starc’s brutal delivery to see-off Harry Dixon
Opening batter Harry Dixon, batting confidently on 20, fell victim to a vicious inswinging yorker from Starc. The delivery, clocking at high pace, swung late and crashed directly into Dixon’s toe, leaving him in visible discomfort.
Starc immediately went up in a loud appeal, and the umpire raised his finger instantly, confirming the dismissal. The wicket marked Starc’s first breakthrough of the match, and it set the tone for what became a dominant day for the veteran pacer.
Following the early strike, Starc went on to remove Oliver Peake, Campbell Kellaway and Sam Harper, systematically breaking through Victoria’s batting order and reaffirming his status as one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.
A peach of a delivery from Mitchell Starc! 🍑
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New South Wales maintains pressure on Victoria
While Starc led the assault with raw pace and precision, fellow Australian Nathan Lyon kept the pressure on from the other end. The off-spinner dismissed two of Victoria’s top six, exploiting the turn and bounce available on the SCG surface to provide key breakthroughs in the middle session.
Sean Abbott, another Ashes squad member, picked up the wicket of well-settled Fergus O Neill, ensuring New South Wales stayed in control despite Victoria’s resistance. At stumps, the visitors were 340 for 7, with their lower order showing some resilience against relentless bowling.
Ashes preparations: Starc and Josh Hazlewood to lead Australian pace attack in Perth
Starc’s form comes at a crucial time for Australia, with the Ashes 2025-26 just weeks away. With captain Pat Cummins ruled out of the opening Test in Perth due to a back injury, Starc and Hazlewood are expected to spearhead the pace attack against England.
Selectors will be encouraged by Starc’s sharpness and rhythm, especially his ability to swing the ball both ways at high speed. His four-wicket burst against Victoria is a clear indication that he’s peaking at the right moment.
On the other side, Scott Boland, who is also playing in this Shield fixture, is expected to replace Cummins in the national lineup. Boland has been phenomenal in home conditions, taking 49 wickets across nine Tests, including a career-best 6/7 against England in the iconic Melbourne Test of 2021.
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