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Dinesh Karthik Acknowledges Starc's Prowess, Calls Him the Best Bowler in White-Ball Cricket


image-lfgdzw9xMitchell Starc ran riot as India were bowled out for a measly 117 (Twitter)

Indian wicketkeeper-batter, Dinesh Karthik, expressed his admiration for the Australian pacer Mitchell Starc's phenomenal bowling performance against India in the second One Day International (ODI) held in Visakhapatnam, which enabled Australia to secure a comprehensive 10-wicket victory, leveling the three-match series at 1-1.

Starc's outstanding performance was instrumental in breaking the back of India's batting lineup. The southpaw managed to dismiss four top-order batters and claimed his ninth five-wicket haul in ODIs by removing the tailender Mohammed Siraj, thus bundling India out for a paltry score of 117.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik empathized with batters facing a quality left-arm seamer like Starc, acknowledging the challenge they pose to batsmen across the world. 

The 37-year old emphasized the importance of cutting some slack for batters who get out to quality left-armers. He opined that facing a quality left-arm seamer is no mean feat, especially when one is up against the best in the business.

"He is arguably the best white-ball bowler in the world right now. To come and receive such balls first up, it's hard. You put anybody there, more often than not, they will get out first ball. We need to cut some slack for batters who get out to quality left-armers,” Karthik said.

According to the seasoned stumper, the Australian veteran is the best white-ball bowler in the world currently, and his skillset is unmatched. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer also lamented the absence of a quality left-arm seamer in the Indian line-up.

Karthik further elaborated on the skill and talent required to be a successful left-arm seamer in international cricket. He compared the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Trent Boult, and Mitchell Starc to highlight the different skill set that they possess compared to other bowlers. According to the RCB star, it is not easy to master the art of left-arm seam bowling and those who possess this skill are a rare breed.

"The skill that goes behind a Shaheen Afridi, Trent Boult and Mitchell Starc is different boss. If the bowler had the skill, he would be playing for India! Why would he be bowling in the nets? It is not an easy skill. Add to that, you’re playing international cricket, and it's a different ball game."  the wicket-keeper batsman added.

It is worth mentioning that Starc's fifer was the ninth time the pacer did so in one-dayers, putting him behind Waqar Younis and Muttiah Muralitharan. It is also his second fifer in ODIs against the Men in Blue.