Sat Dec 06 06:00:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Starc Passes Akram, But Remains Humble: “He’s Still a Far Better Bowler”

Brisbane, Australia – Mitchell Starc etched his name further into cricket history on Thursday, surpassing Wasim Akram’s long-held record for Test wickets by a left-arm fast bowler. Starc’s impressive six-wicket haul during the first day of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba propelled his career tally to 418, four clear of Akram’s 414.

Despite the significant milestone, the 35-year-old Australian quick was quick to downplay comparisons with the Pakistani legend, widely considered one of the greatest left-arm bowlers of all time.

“Wasim’s still a far better bowler than I am,” Starc stated after the day’s play. “As far as I’m concerned, he’s still the pinnacle of left-armers and certainly he’s right up there with the best bowlers to ever play the game.”

Akram himself has already congratulated Starc on the achievement.

Starc spearheaded a relatively inexperienced Australian attack in the day-night Test, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon all absent. He acknowledged the unfamiliar dynamic, stating, “I don’t think I’ve ever played in an attack without one of the three of them playing.”

However, Starc’s performance remained stellar, particularly his opening spell where he claimed three crucial wickets. His dominance throughout the day underscored his importance to the Australian side. His record-breaking wicket was the dismissal of Harry Brook, caught at slip.

When questioned about his effectiveness with the pink ball, Starc humorously replied, “I get asked all the time, I still don’t know. It is what it is. I think it’s still like a white ball. Today, it was a soft ball.”

Starc’s current form is remarkable. He has claimed 16 wickets so far in this Ashes series, including a career-best 7–58 in the first innings in Perth. He has now climbed to 15th on the all-time Test wicket-taker list, passing Harbhajan Singh (417). Shaun Pollock (421) and Richard Hadlee (431) are now within his sights.

He is also closing in on the record for the most wickets by a left-arm bowler of all types – Sri Lankan great Rangana Herath (433).

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