Starc responds to Warne criticism after winning Allan Border medal

Shane Warne has been highly critical of Mitchell Starc and the Australia star has now responded after winning the prestigious Allan Border medal

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Australia quick Mitchell Starc has responded to criticism levelled at him by Shane Warne, with the 31-year-old taking a swipe at the legendary spinner.

Warne has been highly critical of Starc over the years and called for him to be dropped ahead of the first Ashes Test, claiming he was “just not bowling well enough”.

“He needs to find a bit of rhythm and some form,” Warne said of Starc. “He had a really poor [T20] World Cup.

“He’s just not bowling well enough. It’s too important at the Gabba. So I’m all for Jhye Richardson.”

When Starc responded by bowling Rory Burns with the very first ball of the series, Warne claimed on commentary that the ball was a half-volley that did not swing.

“That’s a half-volley on leg stump,” Warne said on commentary for Fox Sports. “It’s a great start from the Aussies and Mitchell Starc but as an opening batsman you gotta be able to hit that.

“You shouldn’t miss that ball, a half-volley as a left-hander . . . I don’t think there’s any swing is there? There’s no swing!”

Starc went on to play all five Tests, picking up 19 wickets at an average of 25.36, and he has now won the prestigious Allan Border medal which is awarded to the most outstanding male Australian cricketer each year.

After winning the award, Starc was asked about the delivery which bowled Burns and he took the opportunity to aim a dig at Warne.

He said: “I think, what was it? It was a straight half-volley on leg stump I think someone said.”

When asked directly about Warne’s criticism, Starc brushed it off, saying: “It doesn’t interest me at all. He’s entitled to his opinion.

“I’m just going to go about my cricket the way I’d like to, and I’ve got my family support networks and I get to play cricket with some of my best mates, so I’m pretty comfortable with where I’m at.”