Fresh from his ‘Man of the Tournament’ performance at the World Cup, Mitchell Starc has claimed another cricketing accolade – top spot on the World ODI Rankings list for bowlers.
Starc took an incredible 22 wickets at an average of just 10.18 and an economy rate of 3.50 during the World Cup, as he struck fear into some of the world’s best batsmen with his high-pace swinging yorkers.
At 196cm, the 25-year-old left-armer was able to combine elite pace with an ability to call on lethal bouncers, exposing batsmen in every match throughout the tournament.
The incredible consistency that earned him the title of the tournament’s best player had already seen him rise to third in the global rankings, but following his two wickets for for 20 runs in the final on Sunday night, the Sydney-born speedster made the jump to top spot.
Starc also took arguably the most crucial wicket of the World Cup final, sending New Zealand’s captain Brendon McCullum back to the sheds for nought in the first over of the match.
Starc snags McCullum:
The updated top-10 World ODI Rankings for bowlers:
1) Mitchell Starc
2) Imran Tahir
3) Saeed Ajmal
4) Dale Steyn
5) Sunil Narine
6) Trent Boult
7) Mitchell Johnson
8) James Anderson
9) Morne Morkel
10) Shakib ul Hasan
The positions of other Australians on the list are as follows: James Faulker (23), Clint McKay (24), Xavier Doherty (48), Josh Hazlewood (70), Glenn Maxwell (73) and Shane Watson (84).
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
I really like Cummins and Pattinson. But I think it would be dangerous taking them to England for the tests. They need to get some first class bowling under their belts. Despite Cummins making a good comeback this season, he hasn't played a first class match, nothing that's gone more than one day with a max of 10 overs required from him. Pattinson isn't much better. I thought he was going to be back playing shield cricket for Vic in the second-half of the season, but I think he only really managed one match or something like that. If CA can hook them up with county cricket and get them a couple of months play there leading into the Ashes, so they can get more bowling into their bodies, then maybe, but I worry about selecting them for tests with such a lack of bowling in longer form cricket.
Andrew
Guest
Hazlewood is a must. We need his consistency in tests. If Harris is finished, Johnson Starc Hazlewood Lyon
Don Freo
Guest
Are you sure that's happening, Charl? There seems to be a lot of criticism of the rankings. Like always, you'll read what you want to read.
Don Freo
Guest
Two chuckers...Narine as well. These rankings are ridiculous. Players keep their rankings for a year after they lose form. Clint McKay only just dropped out of the top 20 and Ajmal and Narine haven't played for ages. Steyn is nowhere near top 10 any more.
deccas
Guest
I don't think Harris will go. He's on ice until the Ashes. I suspect that his body wont handle things once he is there either, I think the Time of Harris is over. Which could spell some difficulties for Mitch Johnson, who averages something like 20 with Harris in the team and 35ish without him. I think the Ashes could actually see a really significant changing of the guard in the bowling line up at least. It will actually be interesting to see how the selectors go. Hazlewood and Starc are firming as the most likely to nail down a permanent spot in the test team, as much as due to fitness as form. Whether they take Cummins and Pattinson might be interesting. I think the team I'd take would be without Johnson. He has played so much cricket lately, and I think it might be good to let starc out from under his shadow. I'd go with Rogers Warner Smith Voges Clarke M Marsh Haddin Starc Hazlewood Lyon Ahmed
JB
Guest
Just a case of staying fit. A lot of people have bagged his red ball bowling not realising he has had very little cricket under his belt before playing that form in the last couple of years because of injury. With the way our pace line up gets injured he'll get his shot
QuitWhinging
Guest
Well reports are indicating Burns is out for the walking wicket Shaun Marsh, which is disappointing. Maxwell maybe in but I'd prefer him compared to Marsh as long as can reign himself in. Tossup between Ahmed and Agar
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Why couldn't you open with Ryano and Starc with MJ coming on 1st change ? MJ might have another couple of years in him yet. Let's get Starc in the fold and give him a proper crack at it. He could be a real weapon on the English pitches. These three would be relentless with Wato and Lyon doing there bit also. Hazlewood and Cummins knocking on the door also. S Marsh to push Burns. My team for first Windies game, Rodgers Warner Smith Clarke Burns Wato Hads Johnno Starc Ryano Lyon
Jameswm
Guest
There's a problem with Starc playing tests. If Johno and Harris play, we need a 1st change bowler to back them up. He's a better fit as Johno's replacement.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
The Aussie selectors must pick and stick with Starcy for the long form of the game, he has been treated shabbily. He deserves a decent shot at cementing his place in the team. It would appear him and Hazlewood will compete for the 3rd quick position assuming Ryano is fit and ready to go. I thought Starc bowled OK in the 2013 Ashes in England. I hope this tournament is his springboard.
Lroy
Guest
Loved Starky from day one, he has a beautiful inswinger which seems to be a forgotten art these days.. when he gets it right he is nigh on unplayable... hopefully his test record will begin to reflect his talent.. bring on the Ashes ;-)
Kaks
Roar Guru
Exactly what i was thinking. The swing in England would make him even more dangerous
Kaks
Roar Guru
#Thirsty
Charl
Guest
This is funny - when someone from another country tops the rankings, Aussies claim the rankings don't count - now it's exciting news :)
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Good question.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
" and translate it to red ball cricket." I bloody hope so too mate.
AB
Guest
Already salivating at the thought of Starc bowling like this in the Ashes. Imagine how much swing he's capable of getting in English conditions. At 150kph. With bounce. And accuracy. We could be in for something really special.
Sanjay Poojar
Guest
No no no this is all wrong. Indian pacers Sami and Yadav should be in top 10. Also all future World Cups should be in India. Aussie is not real world champ. India will regain next time. Sachin is still all time great
jameswm
Guest
His reent ODI figures are. The rankings are historical though, and take the last 2-3 years into account. That's why MacKay is still up there. if Starc goes close to this for another year, he could have the highest ranking ever.
Doc79
Roar Rookie
Starc's figures are bradman like. I don't know that this fully realised yet.