Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc has broken a long-standing record held by Pakistan’s former captain and Sultan of Swing, Wasim Akram, becoming the highest wicket-taking left-arm pacer in Test cricket.
Starc achieved this milestone on the opening day of the second Ashes Test against England. Following this achievement, Wasim Akram’s reaction has also come forward.
During the match, Starc first dismissed England batters Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, and later sent Harry Brook back to the pavilion securing the record with that wicket. With this dismissal, Starc became the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test history.
His exceptional bowling at this stage of the match further strengthened Australia’s position.
Starc broke Akram’s record in 102 Test matches. With 415 Test wickets, he surpassed Wasim Akram’s tally of 414 wickets, which the Pakistani legend had taken in 104 matches.
Since the start of the Ashes series, Starc has been in remarkable form. In the first Test at Perth, he took seven wickets in the first innings and added three more in the second.
On the first day of the second Test, Starc made a dominant start, troubling Ben Duckett immediately and having him caught in the slips on the very first ball of the over. Ollie Pope did not last long either, becoming Starc’s next victim—putting the Australian level with Akram’s record.
He continued to trouble Joe Root as well, nearly having him caught in the slips, but luck favored the English batter. Starc then had to wait a while as Zak Crawley and Root stabilized England’s innings.
Before the break, Starc bowled a short spell, but in the second session, once the ball was handed back to him, he bowled with complete rhythm.
Harry Brook had played Starc impressively, but while attempting a stroke, he ended up offering a catch to Steve Smith—helping Starc claim the historic record.
Following Starc’s achievement in the Ashes, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram expressed his reaction on social media platform X. Akram wrote: “Super Starc! I am proud of you.”
He added, “Your hard work has made you truly exceptional, and it was only a matter of time before you surpassed my wicket tally. I’m happy to acknowledge this moment! Keep moving forward and continue reaching new heights in your outstanding career.”
