Introduction
The intense cricket rivalry between Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc and India’s batting icon Virat Kohli has been a highlight of international cricket for over a decade. Alyssa Healy, Australian women’s cricket captain and Starc’s wife, recently shared fascinating insights into Starc’s approach while bowling to Kohli. Her revelations offer a rare glimpse into the strategies that defined their thrilling encounters.
Mitchell Starc’s Bowling Strategy Against Virat Kohli
Speaking on the LiSTNR Sport podcast, Healy explained that Starc enjoyed bowling to Kohli because of the challenge it presented. According to her, Starc often bowled just outside the off-stump, enticing Kohli to play his signature cover drive. “Mitch actually liked bowling to him because he was like – just hang it outside off, and Virat loved to nick it,” Healy revealed.
This clever tactic exploited one of Kohli’s few vulnerabilities. While his aggressive stroke play made him a formidable opponent, it also exposed him to getting caught out when driving balls outside off-stump.
Kohli’s Fearless Batting and Its Risks
Healy praised Kohli’s fearless approach at the crease: “To be brave enough and drive those balls on the up is going to get you in trouble every now and then, but you’ve got to counter-attack as well.” This attitude made their battles all the more gripping to watch, as Kohli continuously challenged Starc’s precision bowling.
Bowling Rivalries: Dismissals and Records
During the podcast, a quick quiz highlighted that among Australian bowlers, spinner Nathan Lyon has dismissed Kohli the most times in Tests, with seven wickets, followed by Starc with six dismissals. England’s Moeen Ali and Ben Stokes have also taken six wickets each, while Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland have claimed Kohli’s wicket five times each.
Mutual Respect Beyond the Rivalry
Despite the fierce competition on the field, Starc has often expressed his respect for Kohli off the field. The Australian pacer describes Kohli as a “nice guy” who values teamwork and camaraderie. Their sporting rivalry remained professional, marked by competitive spirit but no animosity.
The Legacy of the Kohli-Starc Rivalry
As Kohli gradually steps away from Test cricket, this iconic rivalry might be nearing its end. However, the matches between these two cricketing greats will be remembered for their intensity, sportsmanship, and memorable moments that enthralled fans worldwide.
Conclusion
Alyssa Healy’s insights into Mitchell Starc’s bowling tactics against Virat Kohli enrich our understanding of one of cricket’s most compelling rivalries. Their duels symbolized the thrilling nature of India-Australia cricket clashes and showcased the fine balance of respect and rivalry in sports.
For more stories on cricket rivalries and player strategies, check out our feature on Virat Kohli’s greatest batting battles or visit the official ICC website for latest updates.