Watch: Mitchell Starc threw his bat after his captain declared to leave him stranded on 86*.
Australia speedster Mitchell Starc didn’t react too diplomatically to being denied a century by his captain Peter Nevill’s declaration during the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Tasmania.
Starc was on 86* with NSW going well at 522-6 when captain Nevill signalled declaration. As he returned to the dugout, Starc walked through congratulatory teammates at the boundary, and threw his bat to the floor before entering the tent.
What may have frustrated Starc was the fact that Nevill had declared after having waited for Sean Abbott to reach his century. However, Starc was left stranded despite being only 14 runs short of what would have been his maiden first-class century, or indeed, a maiden ton in any form of mainstream cricket.
Mitchell Starc hurls his bat into the New South Wales changing area.
Peter Nevill has declared with him on 86, the ball after Sean Abbott gets his century#SheffieldShield
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) November 10, 2020
Nevill’s delaration was motivated by the fact that it was the final session of the penultimate day, and he wanted a little more than a day to give his bowlers the chance to bowl out Tasmania.
Starc’s reaction drew a mixed response on social media. Some fans believed he was being selfish, and was putting the team’s needs below his own. Others understood Starc’s apparent frustration, particularly given Nevill had initially waited for teammate Abbott to get his century.
The day ended with Tasmania being reduced to 26-2 in their chase of 348. Starc bowled four overs, but went for 16 runs and claimed neither of the two wickets.
Watch below the video of a frustrated Starc throwing his bat. You can also watch it here.
Peter Nevill declared while Mitch Starc was on 86*…
The quick wasn't too happy! #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/NQLTkh1L0w
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 10, 2020