‘It’s about big-match temperament’ – Dale Steyn in awe of Mitchell Starc’s abilities

Mitchell Starc, Australia’s ace pacer, demonstrated once again why he is one of the most consistent and terrifying fast bowlers in the game with a superb opening performance on Day 1 of the ICC game Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord’s. His early breakthroughs not only helped Australia put South Africa on the back foot, but they also attracted accolades from veteran Proteas pacer Dale Steyn.

Mitchell Starc wickets of Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton gave the team an advantage after reaching 212 in the first innings.

Markram was bowled out in the opening over of South Africa’s innings by Starc’s inswinger, which grabbed the inside edge and broke the right-handed batter’s stumps. Eight overs later, the left-arm pacer removed Rickelton, who was caught at first slip by Usman Khawaja. Steyn spoke candidly about the Australian pacer’s performance.

“He’s incredibly quick in the air, and I believe he rushes a lot of batsmen. When you’re scared and your feet don’t move the way you desire, like Aiden Markram, he gets stopped in the crease, confused whether to continue forward or not. “Starc had already gone past the bat a few times, perhaps even beaten him on the inside edge once or twice,” Steyn told the JioStar.

He has done it before and feels he can do it again. Dale Steyn

Steyn explained the reasoning behind Rickelton’s ejection, stating that his length made the difference and outfoxed the southpaw. Steyn also highlighted Starc’s temperament in difficult situations.

“Then Rickelton decided he could knock it through the covers, and the top Test bowlers in the world have the ability to adjust their length significantly. A batter believes he has it covered, but then it kicks up, moves a little more, and hits the edge. That is what Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood have done exceptionally effectively throughout the years. However, it is also about big-match temperament. He’s done it before, so he believes he can do it again—and it becomes a habit. He also develops a reputation. He receives the support of his captain. We know how he’ll do it, and looking at his wickets, they’re all quite similar,” he explained.

At lunch on Day 2, South Africa were 121/5 after 49 overs in response to Australia’s 212. While David Bedingham (39*) and Kyle Verreynne (11*) are seeking to calm the ship and establish a solid lead.