Brendon McCullum feels Mitchell Starc can become one of the bowling greats

Retired New Zealand batsman and wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum feels that Mitchell Starc was too good for him at the 2015 World Cup, and expects him to go on and become a world-beating fast bowler.

Mitchell Starc had been in and around the Australian side since 2011 but cemented his reputation as one of modern cricket’s best bowlers with standout performances in the 2015 ICC cricket world cup, where he claimed 22 wickets at an average of just 10.18 runs, leading to him being awarded the player of the tournament.

Speaking to cricket.com.au, Brendon McCullum said, “Mitchell Starc in the World Cup final, he was too good for me. You can't be too proud to admit when someone's better than you: that's the beauty of the game. I walked off, I was content that I tried my best but Mitchell Starc on his day was too good. When he's on song, he's tough to play.”

The 34-year old also felt that Starc was physically gifted for bowling, saying, “He's coming from 6 foot 7 or whatever he is, he's bowling 150kph and swings the ball from the left arm.”

Although McCullum does not include Starc in the pantheon of all-time greats as he has only played 25 test matches in his career. The New Zealander feels that the left-armer needs to be successful over a longer period of time to be considered an all-time great.

McCullum said, “There have been guys who have had an impact for short periods of time and that's why I can't wait to see Mitchell Starc's development over the next few years. Because if he keeps doing what he's done for a period of time, then that puts him in that category (amongst the best bowlers in the world)."

The retired Black Caps captain compared Starc to some of the bowling’s all-time greats saying, “A guy like Mitchell Johnson did it for 13 years, (as did) Brett Lee in his pomp, Jason Gillespie, Glenn McGrath. Jimmy Anderson with the Dukes ball, Stuart Broad as well – they've done it for a long, long period of time.”

He added, “Mitchell Starc's got huge skills, and I'm not being disrespectful when I say it, but I think those others guys have had a bigger impact for longer."

Mitchell Starc missed season 9 of the IPL with an injury and was not able to play for his team, the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He will now be helping Australia defend their No. 1 test ranking in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka followed by test series against South Africa and Pakistan.