Former Australian wicket-keeper Ian Healy has expressed concern over Mitchell Starc’s form in the ongoing World Cup. Starc hasn’t been at his best in the ongoing ODI showpiece as he has scalped only 10 wickets in eight matches at an average of 43.90 and economy rate of 6.55.

In fact, Starc had done a magnificent job in the last two ODI World Cups but he hasn’t been at his best in the Indian conditions. The left-arm seamer has been expensive and he hasn’t been able to deliver at both ends of the innings.

Starc had scalped 22 and 27 wickets in the 2015 and 2019 World Cup respectively for the Men in Yellow but has failed to hit the straps in 2023.

“Is (Starc) still a potent force? He’s not been potent at all in this tournament. 10 wickets off eight games is not bad but where is he taking these wickets? He won’t be potent at all until he gets it right and zero in on the stumps much better than he has. Fire into those stumps and feet,” Healy said on SENQ Breakfast.

Healy feels it will be crucial to pick early wickets in the Powerplay overs against South Africa otherwise it will be difficult for Australia to chase a big score.

“If we haven’t got South Africa one or two wickets down in that powerplay, then it’ll be a big total to chase,” Healy stated.

Healy feels Starc was rested for the last league stage match Bangladesh and this must have fired up the lanky paceman.

“He needs to be much, much better. That’s why they rested him. Just to try and fire him up. He is a long way off his previous (best),” Healy said of Starc.

The second semi-final between Australia and South Africa is set to be played at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, November 16.