Australian speedster Mitchell Starc created history on Friday by becoming the first-ever batter from number nine or lower to register a half-century in an ICC tournament knockout match. Known primarily for his lethal pace and ability to strike early with the ball, Starc revealed a rarely seen aspect of his game, resilience with the bat, during the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s.

In a gritty display under pressure, Starc remained unbeaten on 58 off 136 deliveries, including five boundaries. He forged a vital 59-run partnership for the final wicket with Josh Hazlewood, who contributed 17 from 53 balls. This knock marked Starc’s 11th Test half-century and his eighth while batting at number nine or lower, more than any other player in the history of Test cricket.

Notably, only two players, Stuart Broad and Starc, have managed five 50-plus scores from the lower order (number nine or below) in a single country, both achieving the feat in England.