Mitchell Starc happy for KKR teammate Harshit Rana after solid Perth Test debut

Australia speedster Mitchell Starc was elated with his Kolkata Knight Riders teammate and India bowler Harshit Rana’s dream debut on Day 1 of the 1st Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Starc felt that it was a good ball on which Harshit got the wicket of India’s tormentor, Travis Head. The speedster said that Harshit would cherish Head as his first wicket. Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy were the two debutants who received their Test cap on the morning of Day 1

“It was a good ball. Yeah, I’ve only seen him with the white ball, so I haven’t seen any of his longer-format stuff. But he’s got some good stuff. I saw him through the IPL last year, and the ball to Travis Head was another good ball today. So, I’m sure that’s one he’ll cherish-his first wicket,” Starc said in the press conference after end of Day 1.

AUS vs IND 1st Test, Day 1 Highlights | Report

Harshit and Starc’s KKR connection

Starc and Harshit were two of KKR’s key pacers in their IPL 2024 title-winning campaign. Harshit was retained by the franchise for Rs 4 crore in the uncapped player category. Meanwhile, Starc, who was the Player of the Match in IPL final was not retained by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Even Starc admitted that he was unaware of Harshit’s prowess with red ball.

Harshit Rana’s dream debut wicket

Harshit Rana erupted in celebration after a sensational dismissal of Australia’s Travis Head on Day 1 of the Perth Test. The delivery, a perfect length ball that angled in from around the wicket, was a masterclass in precision and seam movement. It marked Rana’s first-ever Test wicket in dramatic fashion as Head, who had been in fine form throughout the series, attempted to defend off the back foot. Caught in two minds, Head was beaten by a slight seam movement, with the ball grazing past the bat to hit the top of off stump. Head was dismissed for 11 runs off 13 balls, visibly stunned by the delivery.

Rana, 22, had shown glimpses of promise earlier in the innings, and his breakthrough was a crucial moment for India, who were fighting to gain a foothold in a match dominated by the bowlers on a challenging pitch. Rana’s celebration was a pure outpouring of emotion-he leapt into the air, fist-pumping with a roar, as his teammates rushed to embrace him. The wicket was especially significant given Head’s recent impact on the Indian bowlers, making it a key moment in India’s push back into the contest.

Starc also shone with the ball on Day 1 after India opted to bowl first as he provided the first breakthrough in the name of Yashasvi Jaiswal and also dismissed KL Rahul, which sparked debate across cricketing world.