Mitchell Starc is on the brink of a major milestone. The Australian left-arm quick needs only 13 wickets in the upcoming Ashes series to surpass Pakistan legend Wasim Akram and become the highest wicket-taking left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket history.
Australia Begin Ashes Opener Short-Handed
Australia head into the first Test in Perth without captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood, both sidelined by injury. This puts extra responsibility on Starc, who enters the series with 402 Test wickets from 100 matches.
Starc will lead the pace attack alongside Scott Boland. Nathan Lyon will handle the spin duties, while Brendan Doggett is likely to make his Test debut.
Akram vs Starc: The Record Chase
Wasim Akram’s tally of 414 wickets in 104 Tests remains the highest for any left-arm pacer. Starc, however, is closing in fast with 402 wickets at an average of 27.
Most Test Wickets by Left-Arm Pacers
- Wasim Akram: 414
- Mitchell Starc: 402
- Chaminda Vaas: 355
- Trent Boult: 317
- Mitchell Johnson: 313
Ashes Milestones Within Reach
Starc also needs four wickets to go past former Australian bowler Terry Alderman and draw level with Charles Turner in the list of most Ashes wickets. He currently has 97 wickets from 22 Ashes Tests at an economy of 3.57.
Starc’s Dominance on Home Soil
In Australia, Starc has taken 235 wickets in 55 Tests, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker at home—behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Nathan Lyon.
At the Optus Stadium in Perth, Starc has an excellent record. He has taken 26 wickets in five Tests, second only to Lyon’s 29 at the venue.
A Unique Ashes Beginning
This is the first Ashes series in Australia since 1982–83 that is not starting at the Gabba. Perth will host the opening Test of the summer.
In the 2023 Ashes, Starc conceded runs at 4.78 per over. Yet he still finished as the leading wicket-taker across both teams, despite missing the first Test. His form, experience, and home advantage now put him on the verge of history.
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