India, Nov. 21 -- Three weeks ago, Mitchell Starc was at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, hoping to cheer Australia, the defending champions led by his wife Alyssa Healy, to the final of the 50-over World Cup. The Aussies had cut a swathe through the draw, towering head and shoulders above the rest of the field, until they ran into a tartar in Jemimah Rodrigues and India in the semifinals.

A record chase and a five-wicket victory were the precursors to India's conquest of South Africa in an emotional final three nights later, but by then, Starc had flown back home to further his preparation for the Ashes. The 35-year-old knew that an even bigger role than usual awaited him in the absence of his skipper and pace bowling comrade, Pat C...