Alyssa Healy smacks down Mitchell Starc's 'ultra-critical' question in on-air tiff

After a nightmare stint in the field where Australia dropped five catches in their first-ever Women's One Day International defeat to South Africa, Aussie captain Alyssa Healy wasn't going to take any silly questions, especially from her husband and fellow cricketer Mitchell Starc. The pair have been married since 2016 after growing up together and on Wednesday they showed they are just like any other couple.

At the change of innings, Healy was interviewed by Starc in the Channel 7 commentary booth. The Aussie quick tried to remain professional as he questioned his wife but it was immediately clear Healy wasn't going to make it easy for him. "So the length of the opening pair there, in (Megan) Schutt and Kimmy Garth, do you reckon they could have bowled a fraction fuller with the help of the wicket?" Starc asked.

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"You got the catchers there for Garth. But, you know, it was holding length and she bowled, really disciplined lines and lengths, but maybe a fraction fuller to get in those edges?" he continued. But Healy wasn't having a bar of it, taking a cheeky swipe at her husband's analysis as she cracked a mischievous grin.

"I think if we’re being highly critical, as you’re suggesting, then yes, potentially,” Healy replied as Starc threw his hands up in the air. "Kimmy Garth could have come maybe a fraction fuller, but that is the natural length that she likes to hit," Healy continued.

"And that's her role within our team as well, to get the ball moving and keep it tight down that end as well. I think Schutt’s length was pretty natural as well. So yes, if we’re being ultracritical, maybe. But in saying that, I think they did a great job to hold as well."

To which Starc rebutted: "Critical of the bowling or critical of the commentary... I dunno." Commentator Emma Freedman then quickly broke up the tiff and asked: "Is this what conversation is like on the couch?" Healy immediately shook her head as Starc informed viewers that this is why the pair's golden rule in their marriage is to never talk about cricket.

Australia suffer historic WODI defeat to South Africa

Australia was stunned by South Africa for a second time in as many weeks, losing by 84 runs at North Sydney Oval on Wednesday. Australia had not lost an ODI since 2009 but gave themselves little chance of victory after five dropped catches in the field was followed by a disastrous batting collapse.

The loss could have been even greater if not for a world record ninth wicket stand of 77 between Ash Gardner (35) and Kim Garth (42). The three-match ODI series will go to a decider at the same venue this Saturday.

with AAP

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