T20 World Cup: 'Mitchell Starc will be a huge weapon in this World Cup,' says Tim Paine

Former Australia captain Tim Paine believes Mitchell Starc's recent form with the ball makes him a huge weapon for the national team in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Starc boasted brilliant form with the ball for KKR during the second half of the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, which built on one of the key elements that contributed to their title triumph. Paine pointed out that this precise ability of the 34-year-old, to step up during the big and important stages, will also become crucial for Australia for the T20 World Cup.

Starc has faced widespread criticism from fans and former cricket greats likewise for their slow start in IPL 2024, having managed just 2 wickets in KKR's first 4 matches, losing runs at 11 per over. Many then criticized Starc for his Rs 24.75 crore price tag for KKR, only for the experienced pacer to stage a fiery comeback during the second half of the tournament. Starc finished the season with 17 wickets in his 14 matches, including his phenomenal 3/34 spell in Qualifier 1 against SRHand also his 2/14 comes out in the grand final against the same opponents.

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Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Paine reflected on Starc's performances in the IPL and explained how a similar approach can allow Starc to make a big difference for Australia in their World Cup campaign.

“He realized that with international cricket, you're going to be picked apart in the middle. But I think he's done it. His record in the first overs of big matches is unbelievable. He's done it at MCG, we'll never forget that. He knocked down Brendonb McCullum, he did that time and time again,” Paine said.

“I think he's a victim of his own very high standards. People expect him to be absolute genius every time he steps on the field. And more often than not, he's produced… When he's on game, he is as good as any player who has ever played cricket, and he will be a huge weapon once again in the next World Cup,” Paine added.

Australia will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Namibia on June 12 and will also face the West Indies in a warm-up match on May 31.