It would be fair to say everyone has said something over the years they have regretted later. Mitchell Starc had his yesterday.
When asked about Shane Warne’s possible return to Test cricket at 43, Starc said – “He’s done his time. He’s obviously done a lot of great things for Australian cricket, but he’s done and dusted now.”
Done and dusted?
A little respect goes a long way. That comment shows none.
Don’t tell me Starc is part of the new breed that lives in the moment and takes little notice of what the game is all about, it’s traditions, and it’s heroes.
Shane Warne is an undisputed hero, it would be stretching a long bow to even contemplate Starc would be anywhere near on the same planet compared to Warne, the greatest leggie to ever turn his wrist over, capturing 708 Tests wickets, second only to great rival Murali with 800, at 22.72.
Starc has just finished his first Test against South Africa with a career-best 6-154 in the second dig, and 8-209 for the match, averaging 26.12.
The six for was flattering, a tardy mixture of 65% rubbish, 30% a possible dot ball, and 5% a potential wicket-taker.
Starc’s economy rate for the Test was 4.66. Warne’s economy rate over 145 Tests is 2.65.
Starc will never draw big crowds to any game on his own, Warne fills stands and would do so again if there is a way for him to play in back to back Ashes series next year with 10 Tests.
As Murali said yesterday – “If he wished would walk into the (Test) side”.
And he would, except for the attitude of first of all Victoria demanding he play club cricket and earn his spot for the state, and Cricket Australia demanding he plays Sheffield Shield for the same reason.
It’s a replay of last night’s “Howzat”, the documentary of how Kerry Packer waged his war against the establishment to start World Series Cricket in 1977 that saved the grand old game from going down the toilet.
The current administrators haven’t learned anything from that war.
There’s still no vision, nor lateral thinking. Just stick to the ground rules come what may.
With the exception of accumulating vast hordes of money, flogging the players physically and mentally in three formats in a 12 months of the year grab.
That being the case, you would think the establishment would leap at the chance to have Shane Warne, a built-in commercial cash flow, on duty whenever they can.
And don’t think for one minute Warne wouldn’t be competitive at Test level, or wouldn’t be able to hold his place.
He would romp it in.
This major talking point isn’t finished yet. It has more legs that appears on the surface.
No Mitchell Starc, Shane Warne’s international career isn’t done and dusted.
Jack
Guest
As a firm believer in the maxim "you're entitled to your opinion as long as its the same as mine", I'm inclined to discredit this article as utter rubbish. Warne is a genius, and I'm happy to remember him as such. In Lyon, we have a damn useful spinner; but the only way in which he is similar is his need for advanced hair loss treatment. He's earned his place, and starc knows that.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Mitchell Starc not respecting legends David? How about Warne respect the game, his best mate Clarke, and his first real successor Nathan Lyon? What Starc did was back Lyon up, and that's what we need. In the end, Warne will be regarded as a has-been. We don't need to look to our past in order to prosper in our future. Our answers to being number one lie with the likes of Starc and Lyon, not McGrath and Warne.
Nick
Roar Guru
I think the forgotten man in all of this is Nathan Lyon. What do these puzzling statements like these do his confidence? First Warne implores the selectors to stick with Lyon, now he says this rubbish about hinting at Clarke to send his best mate an SOS-SMS? Warne is effectively hinting that he would be a better option than Lyon. Nathan Lyon has become a really reliable spin option who has been working his backside off for 18 months to become Australia's next long term spin option and his confidence doesn't need to be reduced by a man trying to undermine him and fuel his pathetic ego. Not to mention the fact that Lyon, while not a team-killer, is good for 2-3 wickets an innings, and bowls economically. He doesn't need, nor deserve these statements by Warne.
Atawhai Drive
Roar Guru
David, if I didn't know better I would suspect your latest piece is nothing more than a cynical grab for "hits", as cynical in its own way as Warney's latest act of self- and BBL-publicity. Warney's Test career is certainly done and dusted. Mitchell Starc (speaking for the whole team, I have no doubt) simply pointed out the obvious. Warney will never play Test cricket again. Fact. Warney is entitled to respect for his past actions. His present antics only serve to tarnish his legacy. I'm with Mitchell Starc on this one.
Jamie
Guest
Is David working the Andrew Bolt angle for the Roar..
David, I think you are being a bit harsh in your judgement here. Stark is a young man who has spoken his mind, if you asked him if he respects Shane Warne , I bet you he would say yes, and he is most likely in awe of Warne's achievements. Saying Warne's done and dusted is perhaps not the most diplomatic manner in which to speak, but is he really that wrong. In all honesty I think it will be a big mistake for CA to bring Warne back into the fold, first of all, what does that solve? Warne may come back for one or two series and then he will be gone, so it will only be a temporary fix. Is Warne in the physical conditions to playfive days of gruelling test cricket and bowl 50 overs? I am not so sure.
Bretto
Guest
Expert? What exactly is David Lord an expert in, except for writing complete rubbish? I can only explain reading his articles for the "car crash" factor, you know it's going to be horrible, but just can't resist taking a look.
neily_b
Roar Rookie
While I agree legends and traditions need to be respected, it isn't a reasonable argument for selection. If Warne can prove himself in an arena lower than an international test, such as the Sheffield Shield, then maybe he should be considered for selection. And I don't agree with comparing the figures of a guy who's played one test match in Australia to a guy who played more than 10 years. Not everyone can be expected to produce fantastic figures straight up against the number one test team in the world. I think Starc is part of the future of Australian cricket since he is one of the only guys in the side who is under 30!
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
David's just hit a new low with this article. If he wants to compare stats, how about he compare like with like - and how did a rather portly Shane go in HIS first Test? Rather less well than Mitchell Starc from memory... And to anyone thinking Warnie could play Test cricket now, you're kidding yourself.
Mango Jack
Guest
Warnie must have a new book or reality tv show launch soon? There has to be a reason for the gratuitous publicity seeking.
Carnivean
Guest
David, you really need to start having a nice cup of tea and a sit-down before writing this kind of article. I look forward to your next column about those darn kids not staying off your lawn.
John Berry Hobbs
Guest
Didn't Kerry Packer start WSC with the express intention of commercialising cricket? Cricket is certainly a commercial beast now. I think the current administrators learned everything from that "war"! Speaking of commercial beasts, when do the Stars play?!
The Barry
Roar Guru
So Starc should respect the traditions of the game but cricket administrators should just pick whatever big name puts his hand up ? Australian selectors asking Warne to play for Victoria and Vic selectors asking him to play club cricket aren't blindly following tradition, they're inviting Warne to PROVE that he's capable of resuming at those levels rather than just picking him because he said so.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
I'll begin to move as soon as Warney's face does. That thing is spak-filled, trowelled and set tighter than a plastered wall. So unless his cosmetic work is reversible, for me it's SK FOREVER!
Neuen
Roar Rookie
What is next. Sri Lanka calling up Murali and Australia calling Hair up?
Lancey5times
Guest
If Warne keeps coming out with rubbish like this he'll tarnish his legacy as much as he's tarnished his face. Unless this isn't Warnie and we are actually seeing his Madame Tussaud's wax model being interviewed? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Disco
Roar Guru
Indeed.
Disco
Roar Guru
Yep, attention-seeking as always.
Ryan O'Connell
Expert
Touché!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I'm sick and tired of this continually coming up just before an Ashes series. Warnie is done & dusted! Can't see any issue with Starc telling it as it is! Australia as whole (Media, fans & Warnie) need to move! The Australian Team ARE!