Did you know that one of modern cricket’s best bowlers, Mitchell Starc, started out as a wicketkeeper? His idol is Pakistan’s fellow left-arm pacer, Wasim Akram. He holds the record for the fastest ball ever bowled in Test cricket. If you didn’t know that, get ready to dive into the world of the Australian cricket legend who’s still going strong at 36!

This isn’t an official biography of Mitchell Starc or an autobiography; it is a story-like tribute by Clive Gifford, who’s also written similar books praising England’s Ben Stokes and Heather Knight, as well as India’s Virat Kohli. The book not only offers insight into a sporting legend, but also suggests that if you follow in their footsteps, work hard and adopt a selfless attitude, you might end up in a better place.

Mitchell Starc didn’t like bowling fast inswingers, bouncers, or Yorkers, yet hoped to represent Australia from a very young age.

Yes, he wanted to be the next Adam Gilchrist, batting quickly and keeping wickets, but his youth coach saw something in him and helped him become the next Wasim Akram. His life came full circle when the same bowling legend he admired praised his bowling and offered tips he’s applied whenever he can.

The book traces Starc’s journey from his parents’ garden in New South Wales to different grounds where the lightning-fast pacer has done wonders for his team. It covers his key moments, including his Test and ODI debuts, his match-winning World Cup performances, especially in the finals, and his dips in form or injury-related absences, in a way you can relate to.

If you are feeling down and need motivation, Mitchell Starc: The Incredible True Story is your answer because it shows why an injured Mitchell Starc chose to bat with bandages or keep bowling after injury. His bond with Phil Hughes, his friend and colleague who died on the pitch, as well as his own dad, who passed away recently, gives the book the human touch it needs.

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 7th, 2026