Starc justifies price tag in warning shot before WC

MELBOURNE: A slow start in the Indian Premier League put Mitchell Starc’s record price tag under the microscope but the Australian all-formats hero underlined his worth as he lifted Kolkata Knight Riders to a third title.

Starc, the costliest cricketer in the history of the league, was named Player of the Match after taking 2-14 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, including bowling opener Abhishek Sharma with an unplayable delivery that pundits judged the tournament’s best.

The performance followed on from his brilliant semi-final when he took three wickets and bowled Australia team mate Travis Head with the second ball. Starc started the tournament as one of its least economical bowlers, generating headlines across the world that compared his $2.98 million price tag with his paucity of wickets.

It also led to a few light-hearted barbs from team mates. None will be laughing at him now. “There have been plenty of jokes. A lot has been made of the money,” said the rangy left-armer. “I am older and more experienced now, so that has helped with managing the expectations and leading the attack. “It’s been a lot of fun, it’s been great to learn and see how these guys go about it but full credit to the whole players and staff, it’s made my life pretty easy.”