Mitchell Starc added another golden chapter to his illustrious Test career as he dismissed England’s Harry Brook to claim his 415th Test wicket, becoming the most successful left-arm fast bowler in red-ball history. With this milestone, Starc surpassed the legendary Wasim Akram, whose record of 414 wickets stood as the benchmark for left-arm pacers for decades.
The Ashes has returned to Australia, and once again the hosts have stamped their authority early in the series. After a commanding win in the first Test in Perth, where Starc produced a stunning 10-wicket match haul, the Australians arrived at the Gabba full of confidence.
Starc, shouldering the responsibility in the absence of regular partners Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, has been the standout performer in the pace attack, using his experience and his trademark swing to dismantle England’s batting order. Under the lights at the Gabba, Starc delivered another spell that highlighted why he remains one of the most feared bowlers in day-night Tests. He picked up three wickets with the pink ball, but it was Harry Brook’s dismissal that sealed his place in history.
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In just 102 Test matches, Starc went past Wasim Akram—widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time—achieving the feat more quickly than the Pakistani icon. Mitchell Starc’s Ashes campaign has already seen him pick up 13 wickets across the first two Tests, with seven and three wickets coming in Perth, followed by another impactful performance in Brisbane.
Mitchell Starc passes Wasim Akram as the most prolific left-arm bowler in Test cricket history 🤩#Ashes | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/gxzYjLGR2S
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 4, 2025
With 415 wickets now in his bag, the left-arm spearhead is climbing rapidly in the all-time Test wicket charts. He currently sits 16th and is just two wickets away from surpassing Harbhajan Singh. A little further ahead is South African great Shaun Pollock, whose tally Starc could also eclipse before the series ends.
Beyond that lies the mark of New Zealand legend Sir Richard Hadlee (431 wickets). Should Starc overtake him, he would become the second-highest wicket-taking fast bowler from Oceania, behind only Glenn McGrath.
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The second Test began dramatically as Australia removed Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope within the first two overs, leaving England reeling. Zak Crawley and Joe Root then steadied the innings, with Root inching towards what would be his maiden Test century on Australian soil. The match also carried emotional weight, as England’s players wore black armbands to honour former batter Robin Jackman, observing a moment of silence before play.
