'A 22-year-old playing in the Under-15s'

If England didn't already know about how strong Australia's attack is, Mitchell Starc sent out a reminder with two hat-tricks in one Sheffield Shield game. The man whose role Starc hopes to emulate in the Ashes led the plaudits for the incredible feat.

Seriously 2 hat tricks in the same game @mstarc56 Now time to rip in to the poms

— Mitchell Johnson (@MitchJohnson398) 7 November 2017

Before his double-hat-trick this week, Starc took a career-best 8-73 in the second innings of his previous Shield game.

Mitchell Starc looks like a 22 year old playing in the Under 15s competition the way he has dominated the first two shield games.

— Rodney Hogg (@RMHogg) 7 November 2017

England commentators looked to play down Starc's red-hot form.

I see @mstarc56 is peaking too soon for the #Ashes !!!!!!!!.......

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) 7 November 2017

Others set even higher targets for Starc.

Well done @mstarc56 with 2 HAT TRICKS in the SAME game. @CricketNSWBlues

Now you have to emulate TJ Matthews who did the same in a Test!

— Dean Jones (@ProfDeano) 7 November 2017

Much higher targets.

Well bowled @mstarc56 but Albert Trott took 4 in 4 and 3 in 3 in the same innings - of his own benefit match in 1907.

— Benedict Bermange (@Benedict_B) 7 November 2017