Recalling the tough times, Starc was quoted as saying by foxsports.com.au after winning the Allan Border Medal. "Obviously last year was particularly tough on and off the field. I probably didn't play the cricket I wanted to and, at certain stages, I probably didn't want to play cricket at all."
Starc finished the India series with an average of over 40 and struggled in the T20 World Cup 2021 a well in the UAE. He was hammered for 60 runs in his four overs in the final and failed to take a wicket as well. However, the left-armer turned around his fortunes by claiming 19 wickets at an average of
25.37 in Australia’s 4-0 Ashes thrashing of England.
Starc was awarded for his impressive performances in all three formats of the game, making him only the fifth bowler in 22 years to win the award Allan Border Medal. During his down phase, some former Aussie cricketers including spin wizard Shane Warne were vocal in their criticism of Starc.
Responding to the same, Starc said, “I think, what was it? It was a straight half-volley on leg stump I think someone (Warne) said. What would you like me to speak to him (Warne) about? It doesn't interest me at all. He's (Warne) entitled to his opinion. I'm just going to go about my cricket the way I'd like to, and I've got my family support networks and I get to play cricket with some of my best mates, so I'm pretty comfortable with where I'm at.”
Starc took 43 international wickets during the 12-month voting period. Before him, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath were the other bowlers to win the award. Starc was also named the men's ODI Player of the Year.