'He's a legend and a role model': Shaheen Afridi credits Mitchell Starc's influence on his bowling

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has revealed how Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has influenced his cricket career, particularly citing Starc's performance in the 2015 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup as a pivotal moment in shaping his bowling technique.Starc has recently surpassed Pakistan legend Wasim Akram's record for the most Test wickets by a left-arm fast bowler. The 25-year-old Afridi expressed his admiration for Starc ahead of his first Big Bash League appearance in Australia.

"He's a legend. When 'Starcy' played that 2015 World Cup, I was playing for the Under 16 Pakistan team at that time, so...I followed him to try to bowl many times the way he swung the ball. He bowled a fuller ball throughout that World Cup and had very good success," Afridi said.The young Pakistani bowler acknowledges that observing Starc's bowling style helped him understand the importance of attacking lengths for left-arm fast bowlers, a principle he continues to implement in his cricket.Starc, now 35, has maintained his exceptional form, claiming 18 wickets and securing consecutive Player of the Match awards in the first two Tests of the ongoing Ashes series, helping Australia gain a 2-0 lead over England.

Afridi regularly seeks opportunities to engage in conversations with Starc during international encounters. Their most recent interaction was marked by Afridi's candid appreciation of Starc's influence."The last time we chatted, I told him that I watched him (in 2015)… And that's why I bowl fuller to batters. I can say he's a role model for any youngster... he's been the best for Australia for many years," Afridi stated.