Australia’s fast bowling leader Mitchell Starc He created a spell of fast bowling in the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria and reminded of his form ahead of Ashes 2025.
Mitchell Starc took four wickets for the Ashes.
Starc took 4 for 91 – dismantling Victoria’s top order and producing one of the most memorable moments of the first day – a sharp yorker to dismiss Harry Dixon.
Playing at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Starc displayed his trademark pace, guile and accuracy, striking early and often as Victoria ended the first day at 340 for 7. His Australia teammates Nathan Lyon (2 for 65) and Sean Abbott (1 for 63) also contributed. Josh Hazlewood (0 wickets for 54 runs) Could not take wickets despite continuous spell of 18 overs.
Brutal delivery from Starc to defeat Harry Dixon
Opener Harry Dixon, batting confidently on 20, fell victim to a dangerous inswinging yorker from Starc. The fast delivery swung late and hit Dixon straight on the toe, causing him discomfort.
Starc immediately made a strong appeal and the umpire immediately raised his finger to confirm the out. This wicket gave Starc his first breakthrough of the match and it set the stage for what was going to be a major day for the experienced fast bowler.
After striking early, Starc removed Oliver Peak, Campbell Callaway and Sam Harper, systematically dismantling Victoria’s batting order and confirming his status as one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in world cricket.
Great delivery from Mitchell Starc!
Watch all the Sheffield Shield action live on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1!#Cricket #shield #game #lbw #wicket pic.twitter.com/fqxiRqyaSr
– Kayo Sports (@kayosports) 10 November 2025
New South Wales maintains pressure on Victoria
While Starc led the attack with pace and accuracy, fellow Australian Nathan Lyon maintained the pressure from the other end. The off-spinner dismissed two of Victoria’s top six, taking advantage of the turn and bounce available on the SCG surface to provide crucial successes in the middle session.
Sean Abbott, another member of the Ashes team, took the wicket of the well-established Fergus O’Neill, ensuring New South Wales remained in control despite Victoria’s resistance. At stumps the visitors were 340 for 7, with their lower order showing some resilience against the relentless bowling.
Also read: Meg Lanning named Alyssa Healy’s successor as Australia’s next ODI captain after CWC 2025 exit
Ashes preparations: Starc and Josh Hazlewood to lead Australian pace attack in Perth
Starc’s form comes at a crucial time for Australia, with the Ashes 2025-26 just a few weeks away. With captain Pat Cummins ruled out of the opening Test in Perth with a back injury, Starc and Hazlewood are expected to lead the pace attack against England.
The selectors will be encouraged by Starc’s intensity and pace, especially his ability to swing the ball both ways at pace. His four-wicket haul against Victoria is a clear indication that he is peaking at the right time.
On the other hand, Scott Boland, who is also playing in this Shield match, is expected to replace Cummins in the national lineup. Boland has been phenomenal in home conditions, taking 49 wickets in nine Test matches, including a career-best 6/7 against England in the prestigious Melbourne Test in 2021.
Read this also- AUS vs ENG: Cricket Australia announces 15-man squad for first Ashes Test
