australian fast bowling superstar Mitchell Starc Rewrote cricket history by becoming the most successful left arm fast bowler in Test cricket.
Mitchell Starc left behind Wasim Akram’s record
The milestone came during Second Ashes 2025-26 test At the Gabba, where Starc took his 415th Test wicket and went past Pakistan legend Wasim Akram’s iconic wicket of 414.
Starc made this record on the very first day of the day-night Test, when he dismissed Harry Brook on a full, wide ball, taking the edge of the ball to Steve Smith at second slip. The fall of the wicket sparked wild celebrations in Brisbane as Starc registered his name at the top of the list whose dominance was once one of the game’s greatest bowlers.
At the start of the match, three wickets were needed to topple Akram, but Starc wasted no time. He dismissed England’s opening batsman Ben Duckett early in the floodlights. Ollie Pope With trademark late swing and pace. Brook’s successful wicket not only broke Akram’s record but also highlighted Starc’s continued dominance in the pink-ball Test.
Starc achieved the feat in 102 Tests compared to Akram’s 104, highlighting his exceptional strike rate and longevity. The record comes just a week after Starc claimed 10 wickets in the Ashes opener in Perth, underscoring his form in the series.
With 415 wickets at an average of around 26.5, Starc is now firmly among cricket’s top fast bowlers. His records include:
- Feat of taking five wickets 17 times
- 3 ten wicket match hall
Top left arm fast bowlers in the history of test cricket
- Mitchell Starc: 415* wickets
- Wasim Akram: 414 wickets
- Chaminda Vaas: 355 wickets
- Trent Boult: 317 wickets
- Zaheer Khan: 313 wickets
Starc is also the most prolific bowler in day-night Tests, having taken an average of over 80 wickets in his teenage years. His remarkable ability to strike early is highlighted by his record of 26 wickets taken in the first over of a Test innings, making him one of the most explosive opening bowlers in the game.
Wasim Akram’s gold standard crossed after two decades
Wasim Akram’s benchmark, set between 1985 and 2002, remained untouched for 23 years and was long considered the ultimate measure of left-arm pace excellence. His combination of swing, control and durability made him a global icon.
But Starc – who made his debut in 2011 at the Gabba, the same venue where he broke the record – has made his legacy with raw velocity, sharp bounce and unmatched pink-ball mastery.
Starc’s growing legacy in Australian fast bowling history
Now 36, Starc is in the mid-teens on the list of all-time Test wicket-takers and is moving up quickly. With his historic achievement, discussions have intensified regarding his place among the best Australian fast bowlers of the post-McGrath era.
As the Ashes series continues, Starc’s record-breaking achievement not only elevates his own legacy but also cements his status as one of cricket’s most influential modern fast bowlers.
