The Australian veteran now ranks 16th on the all-time list, with bigger milestones ahead
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc in action during the second Ashes Test against England at The Gabba in Brisbane on December 4, 2025. Photo: Reuters
BRISBANE:
Australian veteran Mitchell Starc became the most prolific left-arm paceman in Test history on Thursday, surpassing Pakistan great Wasim Akram.
The 35-year-old bagged England’s Harry Brook at the Gabba in Brisbane on day one of the day-night second Ashes Test for his 415th wicket since his debut at the same ground 14 years ago.
It moved him past Akram, widely recognised as the greatest left-arm bowler the sport has seen.
Super Starc! Proud of you, mate. Your incredible hard work sets you apart, and it was only a matter of time before you crossed my tally of wickets . I am pleased to give this to you! Go well, and keep soaring to new heights in your stellar career . 🙏🙏@mstarc56
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) December 4, 2025
Akram played 104 Tests for his 414 wickets with Starc reaching the milestone in his 102nd, helped by a career-best 7-58 in the first innings of the opening Ashes Test at Perth.
Starc is now 16th on the all-time wicket-taker list and could move above both India’s Harbhajan Singh (417) and South Africa’s Shaun Pollock (421) in the current pink-ball Test.
After that he will have New Zealand’s Richard Hadlee (431) in his sights.
