Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc A blistering spell of fast bowling in the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria sends an advanced reminder of his form ahead of 2025.
Mitchell Starc warms up for the Ashes with a fiery four-wicket haul
Starc claimed 4 for 91 – demolishing Victoria’s top order – and delivered one of the opening day’s most memorable moments – a fiery Yorker to dismiss Harry Dixon.
Playing at the Sydney cricket ground, Starc displayed his trademark pace, movement and accuracy, finishing early and often to Victoria’s 340. Australian teammates Nathan Lyon (65) and Sean Abbott (63 for) also chipped in Josh Hazlewood (0 for 54) remained wicketless despite over 18 consecutive spells.
A wild delivery from Starc to see Harry Dixon
Opener Harry Dixon, facing confidently on 20, was victimized by a wild insewing from Starc. Clocks in at high tempo, late slip, late burn and straight into Dixon’s finger, leaving him in visible discomfort.
Starc immediately rose to a loud appeal and promptly raised his finger confirming his dismissal. The wicket was Starc’s first breakthrough of the match and it was a dominant day for the veteran pacer.
After an early strike, Starc systematically chipped away at Oliver puck, Campbell Kellaway and Sam Harper to remove Sam Harper and reaffirm his status as one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.
A peach of a delivery from Mitchell Starc! 🍑
Watch all the action from the Sheffield Shield on Fox Cricket available on Kayo Sports New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1!#Cricket #Shield #Sports #Lbw #wicket pic.twitter.com/fqxirqyasr
– Kayo Sports (@kayoSports) 10 November 2025
New South Wales puts pressure on Victoria
While Starc led the attack with raw pace and precision, Australia’s Nathan Lyon kept the pressure on until the other end. The off-spinner dismissed two of Victoria’s top six, using turn and bounce to secure key breakthroughs in the middle overs.
Sean Abbott picked another Ashes squad member, the well-established Fergus O Neill, who remained in control despite opposition from New South Wales Victoria. At the stumps, the visitors were 340 for 7, showing some chops against ruthless bowling.
Read: Meg Lanning to succeed Alyssa Healy as Australia’s next ODI captain after CWC 2025 exit
Ashes preparations: Starc and Josh Hazlewood to lead Australia’s 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 out of the opening Test in Perth due to a back injury, Starc and Hazlewood are expected to form England’s attacking attack.
The selectors will be encouraged by Starc’s sharpness and pace, especially his ability to swing the ball both ways at high pace. A four-wicket burst against Victoria is a clear sign of peaking at the right time.
On the other hand, Scott Boland, who plays in this shield, is expected to replace Cummins in the national team. BOBAND has been phenomenal against England in 2021, taking 49 wickets in 49 Tests, including a career-best 6/7.
Read – AUS VS ENG: Cricket Australia announces 15-man squad for first Ashes Test
