Mitchell Starc Creates History: Overtakes Wasim Akram With Historic 415th Test Wicket

Australian cricket has seen countless bowling performances, but December 2025 was a historic moment in the game. On the first day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, Mitchell Starc became the most successful left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket history. And in the end, he surpassed Pakistani icon Wasim Akram. Starc dismissed Harry Brook for 31, who was caught at second slip by Steve Smith, and took his 415th Test wicket, surpassing Akram’s tally of 414.

What makes the occasion even more poetic is that Starc made his Test debut at the Gabba on the same day in 2011 against New Zealand. Fourteen years later, he returned to Brisbane to rewrite cricketing history and crown his journey to consistency.

A Milestone Moment in World Cricket

Mitchell Starc, now 35, entered the match knowing he was just one wicket away from equalling one of his ideal records. His moment came within minutes of starting a new spell, breaking the record with his second ball.

Brook’s dismissal was a huge emotional blow to cricket fans around the world and because of what it represents! A decade of dominance, evolution and resilience.

Starc is now one of three bowlers to have taken 350 or more Test wickets since January 2015, including:

• Nathan Lyon
• Ravichandran Ashwin

Wasim Akram’s Heartfelt Tribute to Starc

Showing the spirit of sportsmanship that binds cricket’s greats, Wasim Akram was one of the first to congratulate Starc. His emotional post on X (formerly Twitter) read:

“Super Starc! Proud of you, friend. Your incredible work sets you apart, and it was only a matter of time before you surpassed my wicket tally. I’m really happy to give you this! Well done, and keep reaching new heights in your career.”

Akram took 414 wickets in 104 Tests. Starc surpassed him in his 102nd Test, showing just how remarkable the Australian’s strike rate has been throughout his career.

Starc’s Recent Brilliance in the Ashes

Starc’s journey to 415 wickets has not been slow as in the opening match of the series in Perth, he delivered one of the best spells of the decade, taking 7 wickets for 58 runs. With this performance, he also became:

• The 21st bowler to reach 100 Ashes wickets
• 13th Australian to achieve the milestone
• In the continuing Ashes, only:
• Nathan Lyon (110), and
• Mitchell Starc (100+)
• Have breached the three-figure barrier in Ashes wickets between both sides.
• Position in the all-time wicket takers list

With 415 wickets, Starc is now 16th on the list of most Test wickets in cricket history and is rapidly climbing.

At his current rhythm, Starc is likely to move ahead of all three in the course of the ongoing Ashes.

Brisbane Test- Starc Fired From the Very First Ball

From the opening overs, Starc made it clear he was there to dominate under the pink ball, historically one of his most dangerous weapons.

• Ben Duckett: OUT for a duck (first over)
• Ollie Pope: OUT for 0 (second over of spell)

England were reduced to 5/2 inside 18 deliveries, leaving The Gabba roaring with intensity.

Zac Crawley and Joe Root showed typical resilience, scoring 117 runs off 152 balls. Michael Nesser struck to end Crawley’s valuable innings.

Root and Harry Brook once again put on a 54-run partnership for England. Starc caught Brook at second slip and took his record-setting 415th wicket.

How the Day Looked at the Time of Reporting?

Wherein England reached 235/6:

• Joe Root not out 88
• Will Jacks on 17
• After Brook, Starc quickly removed:
• Ben Stokes for 17
• Jamie Smith for 0

The historic day for Starc continued to drive Australian dominance in the encounter.

Why Mitchell Starc’s Record Matters Beyond Numbers?

Mitchell Starc’s cricketing journey has never been conventional. Throughout his career:

• He has faced criticism for his inconsistency.
• An athlete who has fought his way back from at least three major injuries.
• He has adapted his bowling repeatedly to stay relevant in all formats

Yet he has been Australia’s consistent strike bowler during crucial times, especially with the new ball and the pink ball. His combination of 140+ kmph speed, swinging yorkers, intense bounce and reverse swing have made him one of the most fearsome bowlers of the modern era.

For a left-arm fast bowler, he is the rarest breed of fast bowlers and to maintain this level of performance for a decade is a major achievement.

Mitchell Starc: Key Test Stats