LEFT ARM OVER
NEIL MANTHORP: Player’s hardcore theatrics a Starc contrast to reality
Franchise contract talks are under way and it is not just the Proteas who are angry and frustrated, it is all the franchise players
Mitchell Starc tries hard to be the man he believes he needs to be as the leader of Australia’s bowling attack. He snarls, he spits and he makes barbed comments. It is a commitment he takes seriously and he should be admired for that. But like most people acting out of character, excluding real thespians, his efforts often result in him making a slightly embarrassing fool of himself, especially off the field when there’s no adrenalin to back up his threats and gestures. At least he’s a lot better than Nathan Lyon. Encouraged by his captain to "be more aggressive" before the recent Ashes campaign, Lyon told the media the Aussie attack would "end a few careers" during the series. It was especially pathetic coming from a genial, balding off-spinner. At least Starc is a towering two metres tall and has the face of a gangster. It started a couple of years into the left-armer’s career when Shane Warne called him "soft" and said he needed to "toughen up" after showing concern for a batsman...
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