Mitchell Starc Shatters Legendary Wasim Akram's All-Time Test Record
Mitchell Starc, an icon in Australian cricket, broke the all-time record of most wickets for a left-arm pacer, held by Wasim Akram, on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Gabba.
- Mitchell Starc became the left-arm pacer with the most Test wickets at 415 in 102 matches
- Starc surpassed Wasim Akram's record of 414 wickets during the 2nd Ashes Test at the Gabba
- Starc has over 80 wickets in Day/Night Tests with an average of just over 17
Australia pace icon, Mitchell Starc, made history on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test against England in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series as he became the left-arm pacer with the most number of wickets in the longest format. Starc, who started the day in second spot, just two scalps shy of the legendary Wasim Akram's record, did not take long before he added three scalps to his name, making the record his own, in the second Test of the series at the Gabba on Thursday.
Starc, playing in his 102nd Test match, moved past Pakistan's Akram's long-standing tally of 414 wickets in 104 Tests. The milestone is a testament to Starc's incredible longevity, aggressive style, and his particular mastery of the pink ball.
Left-Arm Pacers With Most Wickets In Tests:
1. Mitchell Starc (Australia): 415* wickets in 102 Tests (2011-Present) - Match ongoing
2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan): 414 wickets in 104 Tests (1985-2002)
3. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka): 355 wickets in 111 Tests (1994-2009)
4. Trent Boult (New Zealand): 317 wickets in 78 Tests (2011-2022)
5. Mitchell Johnson (Australia): 313 wickets in 73 Tests (2007-2015)
Starc started the day with another first-over wicket, removing Ben Duckett for a golden duck struck in the first over of the innings for the 26th time in his career. A few deliveries later, Starc removed Ollie Pope to equal Akram's record. He had to wait a little bit for the third 'record-breaking' wicket. It came in the form of Harry Brook, who was caught in the slips by Steve Smith, departing for 31 runs off 33 balls.Â
Mitchell Starc, The True Pink Ball King
The setting of the Gabba, under lights with the pink ball, was fitting for Starc's achievement. He has been unarguably the most devastating bowler in Day/Night Tests, having claimed over 80 wickets at an exceptional average of just over 17 in the format. His performance at the Gabba, following a Player of the Match-winning 10-wicket haul in the Ashes opener, underscores his status as Australia's premier strike bowler.
This record solidifies Starc's legacy, placing him in an elite class of fast bowlers and ensuring that the debate over the greatest left-arm seamer now has a new, modern benchmark.
India Cricket Team
Australia Cricket Team
Mitchell Starc