Mitchell Starc Breaks Wasim Akram’s Record to Become Highest Wicket-Taker Among Left-Arm Pacers in Tests

Mitchell Starc etched his name in cricket history on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Gabba, surpassing Pakistan legend Wasim Akram to become the left-arm pacer with the most wickets in Test cricket.

Starc’s record-breaking feat came during the second session as he trapped Harry Brook, having earlier dismissed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope. Brook, attempting an ambitious off-side shot, edged a full delivery to Steve Smith at second slip, departing for 31 off 33 balls. England were 176/4 at that stage, with Joe Root on 66 and Ben Stokes newly at the crease.

The day had begun in perfect Starc fashion. He removed Ben Duckett for a golden duck in the very first over of the innings—a 26th first-over scalp in his Test career. Shortly after, he dismissed Ollie Pope, equalling Akram’s 414-wicket tally, before claiming the historic 415th wicket with Brook’s dismissal.

Starc’s dominance in Day/Night Tests is well-documented. Known as the “Pink Ball King,” he has claimed over 80 wickets in this format at an astonishing average of just over 17. His performance at the Gabba, following a Player of the Match-winning 10-wicket haul in the Ashes opener, reinforces his status as Australia’s premier strike bowler.

Most Wickets by Left-Arm Pacers in Tests:

Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 102 matches, 415 wickets

Wasim Akram (PAK) – 104 matches, 414 wickets

Chaminda Vaas (SL) – 111 matches, 355 wickets

Trent Boult (NZ) – 78 matches, 317 wickets

Mitchell Johnson (AUS) – 73 matches, 313 wickets

Zaheer Khan (IND) – 92 matches, 311 wickets

This milestone places Starc in an elite class of fast bowlers, cementing his legacy and setting a new benchmark for left-arm seamers in modern cricket.