Mitchell Starc makes history in the Pink-Ball Ashes Test, dismissing Harry Brook to surpass Wasim Akram’s career Test wicket record. (Image Credit: X/@drivexnolook)
Australia vs England 2nd Ashes Test: Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc etched his name in the records book in the 2nd Ashes Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, as he surpassed the tally of wickets taken by the legendary Wasim Akram with the wicket of Harry Brook and reached 415 career Test wickets. The milestone marks a momentous one in Starc's illustrious career and underlined his status as one of cricket's modern-day greats.
England, who had Zak Crawley (76) and Joe Root (63) giving them stability, were looking to consolidate the innings. Harry Brook came to the crease at 176-3. Starc was already in rhythm, and he produced a sharp bouncer, which Brook edged to Steven Smith at slip.
With that wicket, Starc removed an important batter but also took his wicket tally to 415 scalps, thereby edging out Wasim Akram on the all-time Test wickets list.
In the second session of Day 1, Starc tore through the English top order:
He finished with 3 wickets for 27 runs in 8.2 overs, showing pace, precision and control under the Pink-Ball lights.
Despite early blows, England relied on Root and Crawley to stabilize the innings. Brook and Root added 54 runs for the fourth wicket, trying to delay Australia's dominance.
By removing Brook, Starc surpassed Wasim Akram to join a class apart of cricketing legends. Here’s a snapshot of the top wicket-takers in Test history:
| Player | Span | Mat | Wkts |
|---|---|---|---|
| M Muralidaran (SL) | 1992–2010 | 133 | 800 |
| SK Warne (AUS) | 1992–2007 | 145 | 708 |
| JM Anderson (ENG) | 2003–2024 | 188 | 704 |
| A Kumble (IND) | 1990–2008 | 132 | 619 |
| SCJ Broad (ENG) | 2007–2023 | 167 | 604 |
| GD McGrath (AUS) | 1993–2007 | 124 | 563 |
| NM Lyon (AUS) | 2011–2025 | 140 | 562 |
| R Ashwin (IND) | 2011–2024 | 106 | 537 |
| Harbhajan Singh (IND) | 1998–2015 | 103 | 417 |
| MA Starc (AUS) | 2011–2025 | 102* | 415 |
| Wasim Akram (PAK) | 1985–2002 | 104 | 414 |
This is a historic feat for Starc, putting him above Akram and definitely among the greatest fast bowlers in cricket history.
