Shaheen Afridi reveals how Mitchell Starc inspired his bowling style
What's the story
Pakistan's star fast bowler, Shaheen Afridi, has opened up about the influence Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has had on his career. Despite being at different stages in their professional journeys, Starc and Afridi are among the most prolific left-arm seamers at present. Afridi recalled Starc's stellar performance during the 2015 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and how it inspired him as a budding cricketer.
Influence
Admiration for Starc's bowling technique
Afridi revealed that he was part of a junior Pakistan team during the 2015 World Cup and closely followed Starc's bowling. "When 'Starcy' played that 2015 World Cup, I was playing for the Under-16 Pakistan team at that time, so...I followed him to try to bowl many times the way he swung the ball," said Afirid as quoted from the ICC's official website.
Respect
Respect for Starc as a role model
Afridi has always respected Starc and makes it a point to talk to him whenever they meet at international events. He said, "The last time we chatted, I told him that I watched him (in 2015) ... and that's why I bowl fuller to batters." Starc ran riot in the 2015 World Cup, helping Australia win the title. He took 22 wickets, the joint-most with New Zealand's Trent Boult.
Performance
Most successful left-arm pacer in Tests
Starc has been one of Australia's best performers in the ongoing Ashes series against England. The 35-year-old has taken 18 wickets and won two Player of the Match awards, helping Australia take a 2-0 lead in the series. Notably, Starc recently became the most successful left-arm pacer in Test history, surpassing the great Wasim Akram. His consistent performance over the years has made him a role model for many young cricketers like Afridi.
Career
A look at Afridi's career
Like the Aussie seamer, Afridi is also known for his in-swinging deliveries across formats. The two players also have similar bowling actions. As of now, the Pakistan left-arm speedster, who can bowl up to 150kph, has played 33 Tests, 71 ODIs, and 96 T20Is. He is one of only five players to have taken 100-plus wickets in each of the three formats. With 126 scalps, Afridi is Pakistan's second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is.