Mitchell Starc has overtaken Wasim Akram to become the highest wicket-taking left-arm bowler in Test cricket. Starc achieved this milestone during the second Ashes Test against England at The Gabba in Brisbane, reaching 415 wickets in 102 Tests.
This record surpasses the legendary Wasim Akram’s 414 wickets, which he took in 104 Tests. Starc’s achievement highlights his longevity, aggressive bowling style, and particular mastery of the pink ball in Day/Night Tests where he has taken over 80 wickets with an average just over 17.
This milestone also underscores Starc’s place among the all-time greats of the game, adding to his broader success across formats, including over 400 Test wickets and remarkable performances such as the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history.
Mitchell Starc’s Journey to the Record
Mitchell Starc reached his 400th Test wicket during his milestone 100th Test match against the West Indies in July 2025, where he created history by taking the quickest five-wicket haul ever in Test cricket. Since then, he has continued his outstanding form to overtake Wasim Akram, a bowler revered worldwide for his impact in Tests. Starc’s tally of 415 wickets in 102 games also places him as a key figure in Australia’s pace attack, following legends like Glenn McGrath.
Comparing Starc and Wasim Akram
Wasim Akram: 414 wickets in 104 Tests, average 23.64, 25 five-wicket hauls, and 5 ten-wicket match hauls.
Mitchell Starc: 415 wickets in 102 Tests, average around 27, with multiple three-plus wicket hauls especially in pink-ball Test matches.
Most Test Wickets for Left-Arm Pacers
Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 415
Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 414
Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 355
Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 317
Mitchell Johnson (Australia) – 313
Zaheer Khan (India) – 311