In a recent interview with 7 Cricket, Mitchell Starc described his most heartbreaking cricket memory: getting dismissed on 99 during the 2013 Border-Gavaskar series in Mohali. Known for his fierce bowling, Starc had been in excellent form with the bat, just one run shy of his maiden Test century. However, Ishant Sharma’s length ball tempted Starc into an ill-timed drive, which resulted in an edge caught by MS Dhoni. Starc got dismissed for 99, missing his century by a single run. This moment continues to haunt him as one of the most unforgettable of his career.
The third Test between India and Australia in 2013 had already been an exciting contest. Australia’s opening stand of 139 runs set the tone, and Steve Smith also contributed a solid 92. However, it was Starc’s brilliant knock at number nine that stole the spotlight. Batting with composure and intent, he raced to a half-century and seemed poised to bring up a century, only for his dismissal to dash those hopes.
In a conversation with his wife Alyssa Healy on 7 Cricket, Starc admitted that this near-century was a memory he’d never fully move on from. Healy recalled rushing home to watch the innings, only to see her husband dismissed just as she tuned in.
Despite missing the century, Starc’s 99 runs played a vital role in Australia posting 408 in their first innings. As the Perth Test approaches, Starc will lead Australia’s pace attack, supported by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and possibly Mitchell Marsh, with Nathan Lyon as the lone spinner.
