Mitchell Starc Sets New Record for Left-Arm Pacers in Test Cricket
Mitchell Starc has made history by surpassing Wasim Akram to become the left-arm bowler with the most wickets in Test cricket. He achieved this milestone during the second session of Day 1 in the pink-ball Test by dismissing Harry Brook, following earlier wickets of Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope.
Starc reached this impressive record in just 102 matches, kicking off the Ashes series in remarkable form. In the first Test held in Perth, he took seven wickets in the first innings and followed it up with three more in the second.
Highlights from Day 1 of the Ashes 2nd Test
Starc set the tone for the day by claiming a wicket in the very first over, trapping Ben Duckett, who edged a ball to the slips. Ollie Pope didn’t last long either, as he chopped a delivery onto his stumps, bringing Starc level with Akram’s previous record.
The Australian bowler nearly had another wicket when he got Joe Root to edge a delivery towards slips, but luck was on Root’s side. Starc had to wait a bit longer to secure his landmark wicket as Zak Crawley and Root worked together to stabilize the English innings.
After a brief spell before tea, Starc hit his stride in the second session. Brook attempted to take on the bowler but ended up sending an easy catch to Steven Smith at slips.
Most Wickets by Left-Arm Pacers in Test Cricket:
- Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 102 matches, 415 wickets
- Wasim Akram (PAK) – 104 matches, 414 wickets
- Chaminda Vaas (SL) – 111 matches, 355 wickets
- Trent Boult (NZ) – 78 matches, 317 wickets
- Mitchell Johnson (AUS) – 73 matches, 313 wickets
- Zaheer Khan (IND) – 92 matches, 311 wickets
This record is a testament to Starc’s skill and determination on the field.
