'It’s about big-match temperament' - Dale Steyn in awe of Mitchell Starc's abilities

Australian ace pacer Mitchell Starc has once again shown why he is one of the most consistent and fearsome fast bowlers in the world, producing a solid opening spell on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025 at Lord’s. His early breakthroughs not only helped the Aussies put South Africa on the back foot early on but also drew praise from legendary Proteas pacer Dale Steyn.

Starc's wickets of Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton saw the side get an upper hand after posting 212 in the first innings. Markram perished in the very first over of South Africa’s innings as Starc's inswinger took the inside edge and dismantled the right-handed batter's stumps. Eight overs later, the left-arm pacer removed Rickelton, caught by Usman Khawaja at first slip. Steyn opened up about the Australian pacer's performance.

“He's really quick through the air, and I certainly think he rushes a lot of batsmen. When you're a bit nervous and your feet aren't moving the way you want, just like Aiden Markram —he was caught in the crease, unsure whether to go forward or not. Starc had already gone past the bat a few times, maybe even beaten him on the inside edge once or twice," said Steyn at the JioStar.

He’s done it before, he believes he can do it again: Dale Steyn

Steyn pointed out the mind behind the delivery on which Rickelton’s dismissal, mentioning how his length made the difference and outfoxed the southpaw. Steyn also stressed Starc’s temperament in tough moments.

"Then Rickelton decided he could hit it through the covers, and the best Test bowlers in the world have this ability to pull their length back just slightly. A batter thinks he's got it covered, but then it kicks up, moves just a little more, finds the edge. That's what Starc, Cummins, and Hazlewood have done so well over the years. But it’s also about big-match temperament. He’s done it before, he believes he can do it again—and when he does, it becomes a habit. He also builds a reputation. He gets the backing of his captain. We know how he's going to do it, and if you look at his wickets, they’re all very similar," he added.

At Lunch on Day 2, South Africa were 121/5 after 49 overs in reply to Australia’s 212. While David Bedingham (39*) and Kyle Verreynne (11*) are attempting to steady the ship and get a decent lead.