Can Mitchell Starc Bat? Let’s Talk About the Other Side of the Aussie Speedster

 

Let’s be honest — when you think of Mitchell Starc, batting is probably the last thing that pops into your head. Starc is the guy who’s bowling thunderbolts at 150 clicks, smashing stumps and sending batsmen ducking for cover. But here’s a little secret that not everyone talks about: Starc can actually bat.

 

Yep, you read that right. Starc is not just there to bowl fast and walk back with the tail. Over the years, Starc has quietly built a reputation as a lower-order batsman who can hold his own — and sometimes even surprise you.

 

 

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Early Glimpses: Not Just a Swing-and-Miss Tailender

 

In the early days of his career, most people didn’t expect much from Starc with the bat. He was picked for his pace, simple as that. But those who followed domestic cricket closely noticed something — when Starc walked out to bat for New South Wales, he didn’t look like a walking wicket.

 

There was a bit of patience in his approach. He didn’t just slog. He’d take his time, block a few, and then look for gaps. It wasn’t polished, but it was promising. Not every fast bowler has that kind of awareness at the crease. And Starc’s ability to read the game — thanks in part to his early days as a wicketkeeper — definitely helped.

 

 

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That 99 in Mohali The Knock That Made Everyone Notice*

 

One of the biggest “wait what” moments in Starc batting career came in 2013 in Mohali against India Australia were in trouble The tail was exposed and no one expected resistance But Starc walked in and batted like a man on a mission.

 

He did not just survive he thrived He ended the innings on 99 not out missing a century by a single run after the last wicket fell Cricket fans everywhere were stunned Mitchell Starc? A century? Almost!

 

But even without that one run the innings told the world one thing: this guy can bat when he puts his mind to it He faced 144 balls that is not a fluke. That is solid Test match temperament.

 

 

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The Ashes — When Starc Stepped Up with the Bat Too

 

There was another memorable moment in the 2013 Ashes, where Starc once again showed his worth down the order. At Trent Bridge, in the second innings, he scored 66 runs. It wasn’t flashy — it was gritty.

 

Those kinds of innings aren’t just numbers in a stat sheet. They change the momentum of a match. Starc’s knock gave Australia valuable runs when the team desperately needed them. It’s performances like these that prove he’s more than a tailender swinging for luck.

 

 

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Stats Tell a Quiet Story of starc

 

Starc isn’t going to win the orange cap, and you won’t see him at the top of batting averages. But dig into his numbers, and there’s a quiet story there. As of 2025, he has 10 Test fifties, and more than 1,700 Test runs. That’s not bad for someone batting at No. 8 or 9.

 

And it’s not just about the runs. It’s the timing of those runs. He’s played supporting roles in match-saving partnerships. He’s frustrated bowling attacks. He’s added 30s and 40s that turned 250 into 300. Those are the kind of efforts that rarely get headlines — but win matches.

 

 

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The Style of Starc: Calm Clean and Capable

 

What makes Starc stand out among lower order batters is his composure He does not panic He does not look scared He knows how to defend and when the time is right he goes for the big shot.

 

He is tall so he has a good reach That helps him drive with power and hit over the infield. He is also not afraid of short pitched bowling which is often the main weapon used against tailenders Starc just sways ducks or pulls when needed.

 

 

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Could Starc Have Been a Proper All-Rounder?

 

Now here’s a fun thought — if Starc had trained more seriously with the bat early on, could he have become a proper bowling all-rounder?

 

It’s not far-fetched. The raw talent is clearly there. But when you’re a frontline fast bowler in Australia, your main job is to knock over batters, not become one. Still, if he’d batted at No. 7 for a while and got more chances, who knows?

 

Even now, he’s probably a better batsman than a few lower-order specialists from other teams.

 

 

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ODIs and T20s — The Silent Contributor (Starc)

 

In ODIs, Starc doesn’t often get many balls to face. But when he does, he’s no mug. He can clear the ropes, and he’s played some handy cameos — 15 off 6, 20 off 12 — that shift momentum late in the innings.

 

In T20s, especially in franchise cricket, Starc has been known to hit big. Sure, he doesn’t have a fifty in this format, but he’s the kind of batter who can hit a six first ball and turn the pressure back on the bowler.

 

 

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A Reliable Partner in the Tail

 

Another thing people often forget is how important Starc is when batting with the last recognized batsman. He’s not just swinging blindly at every delivery. He takes singles, rotates strike, and protects the non-striker when needed. That’s smart cricket.

 

Some of Australia’s most important lower-order partnerships in recent years have featured Starc. He’s that guy who can stay calm in chaos.

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