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Starc’s Ill-Advised throw: A Setback for Australia’s Pace Battery

Australia captain Steve Smith has condemned Mitchell Starc's ill-conceived throw at the stumps during the first Test in Brisbane, a move that showcased the team's inconsistencies and raised doubts about their pace attack's reliability.

Professional cricket editorial analyst portrait By Rajir Malhotre Cricket Broadcaster & Editorial Contributor
May 28, 2026 7 min read

Australia captain Steve Smith has censured Mitchell Starc for his ill-advised throw at the stumps, a misstep that has left the nation questioning the team’s consistency. The incident occurred on the final morning of the first Test in Brisbane when Starc, frustrated with the batsmen’s defiance, let out a wayward throw that missed the stumps by a considerable margin.

The 30-year-old quick’s actions were a departure from his otherwise impressive performance, where he finished with match figures of 6-126. However, Smith believes that this lapse in judgment could have significant repercussions on the team’s pace attack. He acknowledged that this is not the first time Starc has been at the center of controversy, citing the Ben Stokes obstructing the field incident in at Lord’s in September.

Smith expressed his disappointment in Starc’s actions, stating that this behavior is not conducive to the team’s goals. He emphasized that the Australian quicks need to be able to control their emotions and maintain composure under pressure. The incident has left fans and experts alike wondering whether this is a one-off mistake or a sign of deeper issues within the team.

The Australian team, led by Steve Smith, will look to bounce back from this setback as they prepare for the second Commonwealth Bank Test in Perth. With their pace attack under scrutiny, the team will need to regroup and refocus to regain their footing in the game.

Starc’s actions served as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and composure in high-pressure situations. As the team looks to overcome this hurdle, they will need to work on their ability to stay focused and execute their game plan effectively.

The consequences of Starc’s actions will be far-reaching, and the team will need to address these issues to avoid slipping further behind in the series. The Australian pace attack’s reliability will be under the microscope as they bid to make amends for this costly mistake.