Australian fast-bowling celebrity Mitchell Starc has rewritten cricket historical past, changing into probably the most profitable left-arm tempo bowler in Take a look at cricket.
Mitchell Starc surpasses Wasim Akram’s document feat
The milestone got here in the course of the second Ashes 2025-26 Take a look at on the Gabba, the place Starc claimed his 415th Take a look at wicket, surpassing Pakistan legend Wasim Akram’s iconic tally of 414.
Starc sealed the document on day one of many day-night Take a look at when he dismissed Harry Brook with a full, extensive supply that drew an edge to Steve Smith at second slip. The wicket sparked loud celebrations in Brisbane as Starc etched his identify atop a listing as soon as dominated by one of many biggest bowlers the game has seen.
Starting the match needing three wickets to move Akram, Starc wasted no time. He struck early beneath lights, eradicating England openers Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope with trademark late swing and tempo. The breakthrough wicket of Brook carried added significance, not solely breaking Akram’s document but additionally highlighting Starc’s continued dominance in pink-ball Checks.
Starc achieved the feat in 102 Checks, in comparison with Akram’s 104, emphasising his distinctive strike charge and longevity. The document got here only a week after Starc claimed a 10-wicket haul within the Ashes opener in Perth, underlining the shape he has carried into the collection.
With 415 wickets at a median of round 26.5, Starc is now firmly positioned amongst cricket’s elite quick bowlers. His document consists of:
17 five-wicket hauls3 ten-wicket match hauls
Prime left-arm pacers within the historical past of Take a look at cricket
Mitchell Starc: 415* wicketsWasim Akram: 414 wicketsChaminda Vaas: 355 wicketsTrent Boult: 317 wicketsZaheer Khan: 313 wickets
Starc can also be probably the most prolific bowler in day-night Checks, with over 80 wickets at a median within the excessive teenagers. His exceptional potential to strike early is highlighted by his document of 26 wickets taken within the first over of a Take a look at innings, making him one of many sport’s most explosive opening bowlers.
Wasim Akram’s gold commonplace surpassed after twenty years
Wasim Akram’s benchmark, set between 1985 and 2002, remained untouched for 23 years and was lengthy thought of the last word measure for left-arm tempo excellence. His mixture of swing, management and sturdiness made him a world icon.
However Starc – who debuted on the Gabba in 2011, the identical venue the place he broke the document – has cast his personal legacy with uncooked velocity, steep bounce and unmatched pink-ball mastery.
Additionally WATCH: Mitchell Starc removes Ben Duckett for a golden duck on Day 1 of pink-ball Take a look at | Ashes 2025-26
Starc’s rising legacy in Australian fast-bowling historical past
Now 36, Starc sits within the mid-teens on the all-time Take a look at wicket-takers checklist and continues to climb quickly. Along with his historic milestone achieved, discussions have strengthened round his place among the many most interesting Australian quick bowlers within the post-McGrath period.
Because the Ashes collection continues, Starc’s record-breaking achievement not solely elevates his personal legacy but additionally cements his standing as certainly one of cricket’s most influential fashionable pacers.
Additionally WATCH: Mark Waugh delivers a brutal sledge to Ollie Pope simply earlier than Mitchell Starc dismisses the England batter on Day 1 of the pink-ball Take a look at | Ashes 2025-26
