Australian quick Mitchell Starc has been devastating with the willow as well as the ball this Ashes series, helping himself to an impressive 151 runs at an average of 75.50.
Those stats have handed him the second highest average this series of all players - behind just Usman Khawaja - while he’s also ahead of more recognised batsmen in Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Jos Buttler and Haseeb Hameed who have each played all four Tests.
Australian captain Pat Cummins recently told reporters that he “absolutely” considers Starc an all-rounder, and the ICC agree, with the 31-year-old fifth in the official Test all-rounder rankings.
It places him ahead of the likes of Ben Stokes and Colin de Grandhomme in the official rankings, but Starc himself isn’t buying into the hype.
While he’s clearly more renowned with ball in hand, Starc wouldn’t yet classify himself as even a bowling all-rounder, instead regarding himself as a paceman that’s happy to contribute where possible with the bat.
“I certainly wouldn’t call myself an all-rounder just yet, personally,” Starc said on SEN Afternoons.
“I think we’ve always said that our lower order takes pride in being able to contribute to totals and scores.
“Whether that’s batting time or changing the momentum late in the innings. Certainly that’s the way we all approach it, I just try and contribute as much as I can.
“I’m certainly not one just to hang around and I guess defend the ball, I sort of see it and hit it.
“It’s been nice to contribute with the bat this series and playing a role that we’ve needed.”
Starc’s form with the bat combined with his impressive bowling stats of 15 wickets at an average of 26.60 could see him claim player of the series honours.
While some have called for the left-armer to be rested for the fifth and final Test, Starc himself told SEN that he would much rather play in Hobart.
The fifth Test begins at Blundstone Arena at 3pm on Friday.