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Australia's premier fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, has silenced his critics with a stellar performance in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL), helping his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, secure their third title.
Starc, who was the most expensive player in the history of the league, was named Player of the Match after taking 2-14 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, including dismissing opener Abhishek Sharma with an unplayable delivery that pundits judged the tournament's best.
Starc's performance in the final was the culmination of a strong tournament for the left-armer, who had initially struggled for form and economy.
His stunning return to form in the IPL burnishes his record in big matches and comes just days before the start of the T20 World Cup in the United States and the Caribbean.
Starc, who took three wickets in the final of last year's 50-over World Cup against hosts India, will be a key player for Australia as they attempt to become the first nation to hold cricket's three global trophies in Tests, ODIs, and T20s.
Kolkata's decision to spend a record sum on Starc during the IPL auctions late last year was met with surprise, but it now appears to have been a masterstroke.
They may have to fork out more to retain his services in 2025, but Starc has proven his worth and is now an integral part of the Knight Riders' title-winning team.
Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins, who is also Starc's teammate in the Australian national team, was full of praise for his opponent's performance.
'I thought they bowled fantastically,' Cummins said after Hyderabad were skittled for 113.
'Unfortunately, my old mate Starcy turned it on again.'
Source: Australia's Starc justifies price tag in warning shot before World Cup