Mitchell Starc has etched his name into cricket history by surpassing Pakistan legend Wasim Akram’s record of 414 Test wickets, becoming the highest wicket-taker in Tests among left-arm pace bowlers. The milestone was achieved on December 4, 2025, during Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. With this remarkable achievement, Starc solidifies his place among the greats of the game and adds another feather to his already impressive cap.
Starc Surpasses Akram’s Record in Style
Starc, who entered the match on 412 wickets, needed just three more to break Akram’s long-standing record. Not only did he surpass the legendary Pakistani bowler’s record, but he also took a five-wicket haul, finishing the day with six wickets. This performance took his career total to an astonishing 418 wickets, making him the new leader among left-arm pacers in Test cricket. With 18 five-wicket hauls to his name, Starc is now just seven short of Akram’s record of 25, which was set across 104 Tests.
Wasim Akram, who had predicted that Starc would surpass his record, expressed his pride in the Australian bowler’s achievement. “Starc is the number one bowler in world cricket and the hardest one to face in all forms of the game,” Akram said in a recent interview. “I’m actually really proud of this guy. He has done wonders for his side and for cricket as a game. There are a lot of youngsters in the world who just want to be Mitchell Starc. I think he will get 500 Test wickets.”
Starc’s Humble Response: A True Champion
Despite surpassing Akram’s iconic record, Starc was quick to show humility. When asked if he would be considered the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) among left-arm pacers, Starc was modest in his response. “I won’t be calling myself that. I’ll reflect on it later. Wasim’s still a far better bowler than I am. So as far as I’m concerned, he’s still the pinnacle of left-armers and certainly right up there with bowlers to ever play the game,” Starc said during the press conference following Day 1 of the Brisbane Test.
Starc’s humility and respect for Akram are reflective of the deep admiration he has for the legend. “It’s nice to be spoken up of around that,” he added, acknowledging the honor of being compared to one of the greatest bowlers in history. For Starc, however, the focus remains on continuing his career and contributing to his team’s success, rather than dwelling on individual accolades.
In this moment of glory, Starc continues to embody the spirit of teamwork and dedication, always aiming to keep delivering match-winning performances. As he eyes the milestone of 500 Test wickets, there’s no doubt that Mitchell Starc’s legacy in world cricket is far from over.
