Mitchell Starc’s intimidation inspires Sean Abbott’s Aussie push

Fast bowler Sean Abbott has suffered from self-doubt in his five years out of the Australian cricket team, and part of it comes from teammate and friend Mitchell Starc.

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IT’S not just batsmen who are intimidated by Mitchell Starc. Sometimes it’s his teammates.

Sean Abbott admits he has suffered from self-doubt in his five years out of the Australian cricket team, with the presence of superstars like Starc in the NSW dressing room an example of him questioning how he could be up to international standard.

But Abbott is back in the fold and is a chance to play in the Twenty20 series against Pakistan starting on Sunday, and he credits Starc’s mentorship as a key factor in his return.

Abbott was a highly-touted all-rounder when he first burst onto the scene in white ball cricket, but as time has gone on he has evolved into a frontline fast bowler.

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Sean Abbott in action for NSW. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

Starc has gone from inadvertent intimidator to Abbott’s inspiration – with the 27-year-old confident he is in the best bowling form of his career.

“I’m a pretty motivated kind of guy but I’ve always had a little bit of a thing with self-doubt,” Abbott said.

“That’s always in the back of your mind considering how good the quicks are … they’re my direct competition and I’m really close mates with Mitchell Starc. When he comes back, I get to see how good he is, and (think), ‘how the hell am I going to be up to this standard and get myself back into the Australian team?’

“But everyone is unique and no two bowlers are the same.

Mitchell Starc has overcome plenty of setbacks in his career. Picture: AAP/Kelly Barnes.

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“I’m not bowling 155km/h inswinging yorkers, or comparing myself to one of the best white ball players we’ve ever had. I just tried to find what works best for me.”

Despite Starc’s lofty standing in the game, he has also experienced some significant troughs – none more trying than being benched for four out of five Ashes Tests this year.

But Abbott sees a resilience in Starc he is striving for himself.

“Starcy has always been pretty good at bouncing back from setbacks and usually coming back in a big way and making big statements,” Abbott said.

“It might be when we’re playing golf – and him usually beating me – or just relaxing, and him saying, ‘mate, you’re doing really well, just keep doing what you’re doing.’ And sometimes just a reminder that what you’re doing is good and being OK with that.”

Originally published as Mitchell Starc’s intimidation inspires Sean Abbott’s Aussie push