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Mitchell Starc to be banned from 3rd Ashes Test? Pacer breaches big cricket rule

Soumyajit Dutta

Mitchell Starc faces potential ban from third Test in The Ashes [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]Mitchell Starc faces potential ban from third Test in The Ashes [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]

Mitchell Starc is one step away from a surprising bowling ban in the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. The Australian fast bowler received two official warnings from umpire Nitin Menon on Saturday morning for running on the protected area of the pitch during his follow-through.

Consequently, a third offence would see Mitchell Starc removed from the attack for the remainder of England's second innings and the rest of the match.

Why Mitchell Starc is facing a ban in the third match?

The protected area is an imaginary strip in the middle of the wicket meant to preserve the pitch's condition. Bowlers are prohibited from running on it, as it can damage the surface and create unfair advantages by making markings on the pitch to assist the bowlers.

Starc, bowling from an unfamiliar end, suggested the worn surface was affecting his run-up. Commentators noted the serious implications. "They can't afford to have him kicked out of the attack for the rest of the match. But it's not like the warnings are taken away just because you change ends," Mark Waugh said on Fox Sports.

What do the laws of Cricket say?

Under cricket's Law 41 concerning unfair play, a third infringement would see Starc banned from bowling.

This puts skipper Pat Cummins in a difficult position, potentially limiting his use of a key bowler, as currently, Travis Head has been brought into the attack despite having key attackers lined up.

England currently has a mammoth to chase with one day remaining for the Test. At the time of writing, England has almost 300+ to chase as Harry Brook and Zak Crawley are at the crease.

Earlier, Pat Cummins dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, with Marnus Labuschagne taking a spectacular catch to remove Pope. Lantern Joe Root was also sent back by Cummins after he set him up with a couple of outswinging deliveries, only for him to nick it to Alex Carey.