Mitchell Starc's On-Air Commentary Sparks Controversy After Wife Alyssa Healy's Dismissal in Women's Ashes

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc took a break from the cricket field to join the commentary box during the women's Ashes, providing his insights while his wife, Alyssa Healy, showcased her skills on the pitch. It was a role reversal for the couple, as Healy had previously been the one in the commentary box during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy over the past two months, while Starc played a crucial part in Australia's 3-1 victory over India with his impressive performances with the ball.

Starc’s presence brought both sharp insights and a dose of humour, especially when he was on-air to call Healy’s dismissal in the second ODI, caught behind off Lauren Bell for 29.

Starc’s commentary stint offered him a chance to respond to Healy’s lighthearted jabs during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where she had critiqued his golf skills while covering the series. Before stepping into the box, Starc had hinted at delivering a “right of reply” to her comments, and he didn’t disappoint, blending wit and charm throughout his analysis.

In the ninth over of the first innings, Healy’s promising knock came to an abrupt end as Lauren Bell delivered a beautifully pitched delivery that swung away late. The movement drew an outside edge from Healy’s bat, with the keeper-batter falling for a quickfire 29 off just 19 balls. Her brief stay featured six crisp boundaries before she was caught behind, leaving Australia to regroup after the early breakthrough.

Watch as Starc called Healy's dismissal: View this post on Instagram

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However, it wasn’t just Healy who found herself on the receiving end of Starc’s humor. The left-arm seamer took a playful swipe at England Test captain Ben Stokes.

Reflecting on England’s claim of a "moral victory" after the men’s Ashes ended in a 2-2 draw in 2023, Starc referenced the drawn women’s Ashes, cheekily asking, "Yeah, but who won morally?"

Australia were bowled out for just 180 in the second women's ODI, but produced a brilliant performance with the ball to register a narrow 21-run win. They bowled out England for 159 in 48.1 overs, with Kim Garth registering brilliant figures of 3/37 in 10 overs.

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