ICC World Cup 2019 | There is still room for improvement, says Mitchell Starc

Prior to the start of the World Cup, there were question marks surrounding the form and fitness of Aussie pace ace Mitchell Starc. The lanky pacer, who was the Man of the Tournament in the 2015 World Cup, last played an ODI for Australia in November 2018, in build up to the World Cup. However, Starc has responded to his critics in style, bagging 24 wickets in the first 8 matches, surpassing his tally of 22 wickets in 2015.

But despite Australia topping the table with 7 wins from 8 matches, Starc feels that his side are still searching for the perfect peformance, and that there's still room for improvement. "We've always spoken about peaking towards the back end of the tournament, and we're still searching for that perfect performance," Starc said, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"We're not quite there yet. We're showing glimpses of what we are capable of with the ball and with the bat and in the field, but we have still got room to improve, and that's exciting for this group," Starc added.

Starc also emphasized on the fact that Australia need to keep improving every game and execute their plans to win the utlimate prize. "We've got to play our best game in the semi now and hopefully better than that in the final, and that's what tournament play is all about. If we keep continuing to improve every game, whether we play New Zealand or India or anyone, we're going to have to plan really well and then execute on the day," he said. 

Starc also said that one win won't matter much in the bigger picture, and that Australia need to keep repeating their peformances to go all the way. "It's a great result beating New Zealand, but one win is not going to win you the World Cup," the 29-year-old said. 

With 24 wickets in 8 matches, Starc is just 2 wickets away from equalling Glenn Mcgrath's record for the most wickets taken in a single World Cup edition (26), which Mcgrath achieved in 2007.  When quizzed about breaking the record, Starc said that his ulimate goal is to win the world cup, and that the records won't matter if they don't end up winning the cup.

"Records don't mean much if we don't win the World Cup," said Starc. "I'm just stoked to be playing a part in this group and continue to contribute. "A big part of our victories is our calmness and I think that's probably led by Finchie [captain Aaron Finch]. He's been fantastic as a captain. I think there's a real sense of calmness around the whole group, not just from the bowlers but from Finchie to all the fielders." he added. 

Australia will next travel to Old Trafford where they will take on South Africa on July 6, with top spot assured with a victory against the Proteas.