In a memorable moment during the third and final Test between West Indies and Australia, legendary West Indian pacer and current commentator Ian Bishop made headlines by comparing Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi to Australia’s left-arm speedster Mitchell Starc. Recognizing Afridi’s knack for hitting the stumps, Bishop nicknamed him “Baby Starc,” a title that highlights Shaheen’s rising status among the world’s top fast bowlers.
Starc’s Fiery Spell Sparks the Conversation
The comment came on a dramatic third day of the Test match when Mitchell Starc unleashed a devastating spell, taking five wickets in just 15 balls. His fiery burst tore through the West Indies’ top and middle order, reminding fans and analysts alike of his unmatched ability to decimate batting lineups.
Watching the action unfold, Ian Bishop offered his expert insight during commentary, pointing out the striking resemblance between Starc and Shaheen, particularly their deadly combination of speed, swing, and stump-targeting precision.
“Protect Your Stumps!” Bishop’s Advice to Batters
Bishop didn’t hold back when offering advice to international batters:
“When facing bowlers like Mitchell Starc or Shaheen Shah Afridi, look after your stumps!”
According to Bishop, both left-arm pacers have an uncanny knack for swinging the ball into the right-handers and hitting the stumps — a skill that requires exceptional accuracy and confidence.
Legendary Comparisons Add Weight
Bishop didn’t just stop at praising Afridi and Starc. He drew parallels with some of the greatest fast bowlers of all time:
Glenn McGrath (Australia)
Curtly Ambrose (West Indies)
Courtney Walsh (West Indies)
He explained how these legends terrified batters through their unrelenting line and length, forcing mistakes without relying solely on express pace.
“That’s what I love about international cricket. McGrath scared the world with his line and length, and so did Ambrose and Walsh. Josh Hazlewood is another bowler in that mold today,” Bishop added.
Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s Rising Pace Sensation
Shaheen Shah Afridi made his international debut in 2018 against the West Indies and has quickly become Pakistan’s bowling spearhead. His stats speak volumes:
31 Test Matches
64 ODIs
79 T20Is
345 wickets across formats
7 five-wicket hauls in innings
Afridi’s standout moment came during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where his fiery spells helped Pakistan reach the semi-finals. His consistent performances across all formats led to him being named ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year in 2021.
“Baby Starc” A Compliment or a Challenge?
Calling Shaheen Afridi a “Baby Starc” may seem like a playful label, but it carries serious weight. It highlights how Shaheen is viewed on the world stage, not just as a promising talent, but as someone already making an impact at the highest level.
While their styles differ in some ways, the essence of Bishop’s statement was clear: Shaheen possesses the potential, skill set, and aggression that mirror Starc and, perhaps, with time, he could even surpass him.
Final Thoughts
Ian Bishop’s praise is not just recognition, it’s an endorsement from a fast-bowling great. As Pakistan continues to look for leaders in its bowling lineup, Shaheen Shah Afridi stands tall, not just as a “Baby Starc,” but as a potential legend in his own right.
