Mitchell Starc lodged an early contender for catch of the summer as Australia rounded out its T20 series against the West Indies 2-0 on Friday night, winning the second game by 31 runs.
Steaming in bowling to Kyle Mayers in the first over of the West Indies’ chase at the Gabba, Starc took an exceptional one-handed catch after the big-hitting opener cracked the ball back down the pitch.
Despite the ball being on Starc’s right side, the Australian quick snaffled the catch with his left hand, plucking it with incredibly quick reflexes.
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The catch dealt the West Indies an early blow in their pursuit of 179 runs to win.
“What a catch from Mitchell Starc!” Brendon Julian said on the Fox Cricket broadcast.
“That is unbelievable.”
Brad Haddin was stunned.
“That’s very hard to do at six foot five on your follow-through,” the former gloveman said.
“Look at that catch and (those) reflexes from Mitchell Starc … outstanding piece of athleticism there.”
Mark Waugh, among Australia’s greatest fielders in history, had high praise.
“That’s a classic catch if I’ve ever seen one.”
Starc was the best of Australia’s bowlers on the night, taking 4-20 from four overs.
David Warner had set up the victory with a knock of 75 runs from 41 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.
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Tim David was another considerable contributor in an innings of 40 off 20, including four fours and three sixes, building his case for T20 World Cup selection.
While Aaron Finch had batted at No.4 and compiled 58 from 53 in the first match of the series, the Australian skipper walked to the middle at No.3 on Friday night and only managed 15.
Australia again experimented with Cameron Green at the top of the order, with the young all-rounder only mustering one run.
The Australians are now set for a three-match T20 series against England, with the first game to be played in Perth and the final two in Canberra.
Australia will meet New Zealand at the SCG on October 22 in its opening match of the T20 World Cup.
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