Starc shakes off rust in impressive return

Guyana, June 6: Mitchell Starc rattled the stumps and shook off the rust in Guyana, where he unleashed six months of anger in his ODI comeback against the West Indies. A snarling Starc struck twice in his return from ankle surgery, removing both openers as Australia won their triseries opener with ease.

Spinners Nathan Lyon and Adam Zampa stifled the run- rate and shared six wickets, but it was Starc who started the rot that ended with West Indies all out for 116 in the 33rd over.

“He’s a world- class bowler. We know how good he is ... and he’s just awesome to have in the side,” Lyon was quoted as saying by cricket. com. au.

“It’s great to see him back. I know he’s been itching to play a fair bit, he’s been out since November. “You want to see him A snarling Starc struck twice in his return from ankle surgery, removing both the Windies’ openers at his best and bowling fast.”

The left- armer wasn’t at his sublime best, as you would expect from any fast bowler who hasn’t played for so long.

“There was a bit of rust floating around but I’m pretty sure he’s better for the run,” Lyon said of Starc, who conceded six runs through extras.

David Warner, who has played near nonstop cricket while Starc has been on the sidelines, also starred in the six- wicket win. Warner finished 55 not out, extending the purple patch that netted him an Indian Premier League title as skipper of Sunrisers Hyderabad. “David is in exceptional form. We’ve seen the highlights and the results in the IPL. He’s a worldclass player and has proven it tonight,” Lyon said.

Meanwhile leg- spinner Adam Zampa said: “I really enjoyed it out there on that pitch.”