Starc Surpasses Akram in Historic Milestone
On Thursday, at The Gabba, Australia experienced a historic occasion in the history of the Test cricket when Mitchell Starc surpassed a long-established record of the legendary Wasim Akram who was the most successful left-arm fast bowler in the history of Test cricket. Making his entry into the second Ashes Test with 415 wickets, Starc gave a raging performance to add another wicket to his record taking him up to 418, passing the legendary 414-wicket mark of Akram.
The 35-year old pacer attacked late and frequently, sending Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook back to the dressing room in a sequence of blows that shifted the tide of momentum back to Australia in the day-night affair. The first day finished with excellent figures of 6/71 off 19 overs and Starc confirmed his position as one of the most devastating bowlers of the fast category in modern times. However, although England have reached 325/9 thanks to a drought-ending century due to Joe Root, it was Starc who dominated with the pink ball who had the headline.
However, the Australian fast man behaved humbly following his record-setting accomplishment. Starc, in a short interview with former England captain Michael Vaughan, called Wasim Akram as still the master of left arm pace bowling. He also explained that even after surpassing the Pakistani, Akram remains the best and his impact and command still lead the profession.
Akram, who was internationally known as the Sultan of Swing, was quick to congratulate the success of Starc. To the social media he praised the Australian bowler and pointed at his hard work and consistency. Akram even wrote that he was proud of Starc and that he was glad to see him pass the milestone by discipline and hard work.
Lurking behind Starc and Akram on the list of all-time are Chaminda Vaas (355 wickets), Trent Boult (317) and Mitchell Johnson (313) to highlight the rarity of the feat. The rise of Starc is not only an individual victory, but also a turning point of the times in the field of fast bowling excellence. Australia wanted to increase their hold on the Ashes so the performance of Starc has created a new energy in the series.
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