In-form Starc makes hat-trick history
STRIKE bowler Mitchell Starc became the first man to take two hat-tricks in the same first-class game in Australia yesterday, as he hit ominous form ahead of the Ashes test series against England.
The left-arm paceman became only the eighth player in first-class cricket history -and the first in 39 years -- to achieve the feat, as he spearheaded New South Wales to victory over Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
Having removed Jason Behrendorff, David Moody and Simon Mackin in WA’s first innings to complete his first career hat-trick, Starc then got both Behrendorff and Moody again off the final two deliveries of his 15th over.
Jono Wells then edged Starc on the first ball of his next over to Australia and NSW captain Steve Smith at first slip to end the match.
Starc finished with the match figures of seven for 97 in NSW’s 171-run victory.
He also took a career-best 8/73 for NSW against South Australia under lights at the Adelaide Oval and looks in ominous touch ahead of the test series.
Australia take on England in the first of five Ashes test matches in Brisbane, starting on November 23.
Australian leg-spinner Jimmy Matthews remains the only player to take two hat-tricks in a test match, after he did it against South Africa in Manchester in 1912.
Meanwhile, injured Moeen Ali and Steven Finn remain unavailable for England’s second tour game in Adelaide, coach Trevor Bayliss said yesterday, missing the chance to prepare for the day-night Ashes test in the city.
Bayliss said all-rounder Ali (side strain) and fast bowler Finn (knee) would sit out the four-dayer under lights against a Cricket Australia XI, starting today.
“Finn is still not right, we won’t know about him for another couple of days yet,” Bayliss said in Adelaide yesterday.
“Mo Ali is more precautionary now, we will just leave him out of this one and make sure he’s right.”
Bayliss also said he was uncertain over one batting spot and another fast bowling option for the first test.
England have one further four-day warm-up game in Townsville from November 15 before the test.
Bayliss said the team was focused on becoming familiar with the day-night conditions and playing with a pink ball ahead of the second test at the Adelaide Oval.
England have only played one day-night test, which they lost to the West Indies in August last year. – AFP