Mitchell Starc, Australia's leading pace bowler, found himself on the wrong side of the record books during his team’s 186-run defeat to England in the fourth ODI at Lord’s, London, on Friday, September 27, 2024. In a match already marred by rain and reduced to 39 overs per side, Starc's performance took a drastic turn for the worse during the final over of England's innings, where he conceded 28 runs, making it the most expensive over ever bowled by an Australian in ODI cricket.
Facing the hard-hitting all-rounder Liam Livingstone, Starc was dispatched to all parts of the ground. The over began with a towering six over long-on, followed by another huge hit over deep square leg. After a dot ball, Livingstone continued his onslaught, smashing a six over long-off and completing a hat-trick of sixes with another powerful shot over deep square leg. On the final ball of the over, Livingstone sliced a boundary to backward point, bringing the total tally of the over to 28 runs.
This over completely shattered Starc’s otherwise mediocre bowling figures, pushing them to 0/70 from his eight overs, with an economy rate of 8.75 per over. It marked an uncharacteristic day for the Australian pacer, who is known for his accuracy and lethal yorkers at the death. This record-breaking over came as a huge blow not just to Starc but also to Australia’s overall morale in a match where England dominated both with the bat and ball.
The 28-run over from Starc overtook previous records held by other Australian bowlers. Prior to this, Cameron Green and Adam Zampa had conceded 26 runs in an over against India and South Africa respectively in 2023, while Xavier Doherty also gave away 26 runs in an over against India in Bengaluru in 2013.
Liam Livingstone’s blitzkrieg in the final over powered England to a formidable total, making it almost impossible for Australia to chase. Livingstone’s 28-run assault not only tarnished Starc's figures but also served as the decisive moment that helped England seal a commanding victory, leveling the series in the process.
Starc's struggle to find rhythm in the crucial moments has raised questions about Australia's death bowling tactics, as the series heads into its final match. While Starc’s ability to deliver under pressure remains undisputed, this latest setback will certainly be a challenging moment in his illustrious career.
