New Delhi: Australia’s star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has etched his name in golden letters in the memorable Ashes rivalry. In the Perth Test on Saturday, November 22, he achieved the feat of a fast bowler taking 10 wickets in a match after 12 years.
By destroying both England innings, Starc once again proved why he is considered one of the most dangerous fast bowlers of his generation.
Aggressive in the first innings, more lethal in the second
After causing trouble for England in the first innings, Starc unleashed even more fire in the second. Upon receiving the new ball, he dismissed opener Zak Crawley for a duck for the second consecutive time. After a short innings of just five balls, Crawley fell to Starc again-this time caught and bowled.
Root and Stokes also failed to escape Starc’s blistering pace
After Crawley, Joe Root also couldn’t last long and succumbed to Starc’s sharp bowling. But the biggest turning point of the match came when Starc took the wicket of England captain Ben Stokes in the second session of the second day. Stokes, who had kept England in the match with a five-wicket haul, managed just two runs and was caught by Steve Smith in the slips. This wicket proved to be the turning point of the match.
Starc also achieved a special milestone in the World Test Championship
The 10-wicket haul also propelled Starc into the World Test Championship’s elite club. He became only the third bowler in the world to reach 200 wickets in the World Test Championship-only Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins have preceded him on this list. This proves Starc’s consistent performance in big matches.
Starc’s name included in the list of best bowling performances of the Ashes
Starc’s performance in Perth has become one of the greatest spells in Ashes history. Before him, Stuart Broad took 11 wickets in 2013. Starc now joins the likes of James Anderson (2013), Craig McDermott (1991), and Dennis Lillee (1981).
His feat wasn’t just about propelling Australia forward-it also served as a reminder that pace and swing still play a decisive role in the Ashes.
Story Highlights
- After 12 years, a fast bowler took 10 wickets in an Ashes match-namely, Mitchell Starc.
- Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes fell to Starc in the second innings.
- Starc became the third bowler in the world to reach 200 wickets in the World Test Championship.
- Starc’s name is included in the list of greatest fast bowling performances in Ashes history.