Mitchell Starc dismantles Queensland’s lower-order in Sheffield Shield clash

Mitchell Starc’s engine is starting to purr as the New South Wales paceman prepares for the upcoming Test series against India.

Mitchell Starc’s engine is starting to purr as the New South Wales paceman prepares for the upcoming Test series against India.

Mitchell Starc’s engine is starting to purr entering Border-Gavaskar series battle with India, says former Test keeper Peter Nevill.

Test spearhead Starc took 4/76 fronting for New South Wales against Queensland at Adelaide’s Karen Rolton Oval.

“It was good, it is outstanding every time we have Starcy, such a formidable bowler,” said Nevill of Starc.

Nevill noted Starc got better, smoother and faster with each of his 24 overs. Starc’s last Test was against New Zealand in Sydney during January, but featured in Australia’s one-day series triumph in England through September.

“His pace was right up throughout the match. It was good to see him do what he does and take wickets,” Nevill said.

“I thought his rhythm was really good towards the back end of spells so it was always great when he is available.”

Mitchell Starc of the Blues celebrates the wicket of Matthew Renshaw.

Australian star Marnus Labuschagne (117) wore blows from Starc on day one, but made the Blues attack work hard on Friday.

Test paceman Starc used his express pace to clean up the tail in the first session on day two. The Bulls were undermined by a 6/47 collapse. Mark Steketee (1) and Xavier Bartlett (1) fell to Starc who bowled with venom.

The Blues (7/269) trail Queensland’s first innings 298 total by 29 runs entering day three. Unbeaten Blues top scorer Nevill (54) lamented his side’s inability to bat time.

Blues No. 5 Daniel Solway suffered a nasty blow to the side of his head on 17 from Steketee with New South Wales 4-138 in the 45th over, but managed 23.

“It would have been nice for us to build a lead,” said Nevill.

“It was disappointing we got a lot of starts but it was a bit of a grind.”