Mitchell Starc rediscovered his rhythm with a fiery spell at the SCG as New South Wales and Victoria clashed in a gripping Sheffield Shield battle. The left-arm quick bowled fast and hostile spells, removing key batters and forcing Victoria to rebuild early. But Peter Handscomb’s calm and composed century turned the match in Victoria’s favour after a dropped chance nearly cost New South Wales dearly.
Victoria ended the day at 340 for 7 after a strong recovery driven by partnerships between Handscomb, Sam Harper, and Fergus O’Neill. Starc finished with 4 for 91 from 18 overs, showing signs of returning to his old rhythm ahead of the upcoming Ashes. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon bowled with control, while Campbell Kellaway and Harper countered with courage and aggression.
It was a day of fast bowling, patience, and fine shot selection — a proper test of red-ball skills at the SCG. The contest between experience and youth stood out, making this one of the most engaging days of Shield cricket this season.
Starc’s Fierce Spell and Return to Form
Mitchell Starc revealed he has been fine-tuning his rhythm after feeling slightly off in the recent ODI series against India. He shared that he had asked for side-by-side footage of his Test spell in Jamaica, where he took 6 for 9, to compare with his recent performances. The goal was to identify what wasn’t clicking — and on this day, everything started to align.
Starc produced a fiery spell after lunch, sending down rockets around 145 km/h, forcing batters to sway and defend awkwardly. He dismissed Harry Dixon with a yorker, then removed Ollie Peake with sharp bounce and movement. He later troubled Campbell Kellaway with short-pitched deliveries that thudded into the body. Yet Starc’s hunger and intent were clear — he was bowling with purpose and pace again.
Starc admitted, “It felt pretty close today. Probably my longest layoff injury-free, so just trying to get that rhythm again.” His four wickets proved the effort was paying off. Australia’s selectors will be pleased to see their premier fast bowler hitting the right lines ahead of the Ashes.
Handscomb’s Grit and Class Define Victoria’s Innings
Peter Handscomb turned a moment of luck into a day of dominance. He was dropped before scoring when Jack Edwards spilled a straightforward catch off Hazlewood. From that reprieve, he built a classic red-ball century filled with control and patience. His second Shield ton of the season came from 208 balls, featuring crisp drives and strong defensive play against a Test-quality attack.
Handscomb anchored Victoria’s innings through critical partnerships — first with Sam Harper, then with Fergus O’Neill. His shot selection was precise, and his temperament never wavered despite facing Starc’s pace and Lyon’s turn. The right-hander was eventually dismissed by Lyon, beaten by a ball that skidded past the edge.
After play, Handscomb said, “To score runs against those bowlers is always special.” His knock was proof of his mental toughness and value as a senior statesman in Victoria’s middle order. In testing conditions, Handscomb’s composure turned the tide of the game.
Harper’s Counterattack Changes the Tone
Sam Harper’s innings brought instant energy to Victoria’s fightback. His 40-ball 54 came at a crucial time, just as Starc was firing on all cylinders. Harper attacked fearlessly, smashing two fours and two sixes in quick succession, including a huge hook that sent the ball out of the ground.
He and Handscomb added 92 runs for the fifth wicket, blunting the momentum Starc had created. Harper’s attacking style perfectly complemented Handscomb’s stability. His dismissal trying one shot too many didn’t take away from his impact — he had shifted the game’s tempo.
This fearless display highlighted Victoria’s growing depth. With players like Harper capable of quick runs under pressure, their lower order continues to mature into a serious asset for the side.
Young Talent and the Resilience of Kellaway
Campbell Kellaway again showed why he’s seen as one of Australia’s brightest young prospects. The left-hander faced an intense examination from Starc’s short balls, taking painful blows on the body and hand but refusing to back down. He reached his fifty off 96 balls before gloving one down the leg side.
Kellaway’s fight underlined his temperament and ability to handle world-class pace. His body language after being struck showed grit and determination — qualities that selectors value highly. Fergus O’Neill followed with a confident 40-plus, continuing his fine season as an all-rounder.
New South Wales had injury concerns when Will Salzmann was subbed out under Cricket Australia’s trial rule for concussion and muscle strain. Ryan Hicks came in as his replacement. Despite that, NSW kept pressure through Lyon’s accuracy and Hazlewood’s consistency. The younger players from both sides gained priceless experience against top-tier opposition.
Test Preparation Signals for Australian Selectors
This Shield clash wasn’t just about runs and wickets — it was about readiness for the upcoming Ashes. Starc’s pace and rhythm will reassure selectors that he’s nearing top form. Hazlewood’s control and Lyon’s variation also looked impressive. For Victoria, Handscomb’s century underlined his case for a recall if opportunities open.
The match offered selectors a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and promising rookies. Harper’s aggression, Kellaway’s composure, and O’Neill’s stability all reinforced Victoria’s squad depth. For New South Wales, leadership changes with Steven Smith stepping in added interest, though dropped catches hurt their early momentum.
With both teams blending experienced internationals and emerging stars, this game served as a perfect red-ball rehearsal. It revealed where Australia’s domestic pool stands before the big summer.
Conclusion
The first day at the SCG had everything — pace, patience, partnerships, and pain. Mitchell Starc’s renewed aggression and technical tweaks brought rewards, while Peter Handscomb’s century was a masterclass in calm execution. Sam Harper’s aggression and Campbell Kellaway’s resilience added texture to a fiercely contested day.
Victoria’s total of 340 for 7 reflected both pressure and composure under fire. New South Wales bowled with intensity but lacked fielding support early on. Lyon and Hazlewood provided steady spells that balanced Starc’s hostility. The fitness trial rule added new tactical layers to an already tense contest.
As the match progresses, both teams will look to seize momentum early. For Starc, the rhythm has returned; for Handscomb, the confidence continues. For cricket fans, this was a day that showed everything good about Sheffield Shield cricket — skill, spirit, and stories worth following.
