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1 year ago
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Australian cricket great Ian Healy has raised eyebrows after calling out Mitchell Starc's poor form with the new ball ahead of the ODI World Cup semi-final versus South Africa.
Starc, 33, is one of the best white-ball bowlers in world cricket, but has struggled at the tournament in India during the powerplay, only snaring four wickets.
The statistics saw Healy call for his nephew-in-law to rip through the Proteas top order - or his place in the XI should Australia progress to the final could be in jeopardy in his eyes.
Starc is married to fellow star cricketer Alyssa Healy, who happens to be the decorated ex-Aussie wicketkeeper's niece.
'If we haven't got South Africa one or two wickets down in the powerplay, then it will be a big total to chase,' Healy said on SEN Radio.
Australian cricket great Ian Healy has raised eyebrows after calling out Mitchell Starc's poor form with the new ball ahead of the ODI World Cup semi-final versus South Africa
Starc - who was a junior wicketkeeper before reverting to pace bowling - recently leapt at the opportunity to work alongside Alex Carey pre-game with the gloves (pictured)
'Is [Starc] still a potent force? He's not been potent at all in this tournament.
'Ten wickets off eight games is not bad, but where is he taking these wickets? He won't be potent at all until he gets it right and zeros in on the stumps much better than he has.
'He needs to be much, much better.'
Starc admitted he hasn't been at his best all tournament, but is relishing the opportunity to 'impact at the pointy end.'
Meanwhile, footage of Starc donning wicket-keeping gloves while warming up before a recent match on the subcontinent became an instant talking point online.
The quick's wife Alyssa Healy - a champion wicketkeeper for the Australian women's team - was said to be 'horrified' at the vision of him behind the stumps
The paceman told cricket.com.au he was merely 'having a bit of fun on tour' and leapt at the opportunity to work alongside teammate Alex Carey pre-game.
His wife Alyssa Healy - a champion wicketkeeper for the Australian women's team - was said to be 'horrified' at the vision.
She wrote on social media 'There's so much wrong with this' after seeing his glovework.
'I think she was more horrified by the fact I had a short-sleeved shirt on,' Starc joked.
'[She] critiqued my footwork and probably something else, so every time she picks up a ball and decides to bowl in the nets, it's now free game.'
Australia take on South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata for a spot in the ODI final from 7.30pm AEDT on Thursday.
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