New Delhi: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is set to reach a huge milestone as he prepares to play his 100th Test match at Sabina Park in Kingston against the West Indies on Sunday. The Aussies are already leading the three-match Test series by 2-0 and will look to whitewash the Windies.
Starc will become only the second Australian fast bowler to achieve this milestone, and his journey to the 100th has been outstanding. He managed his workload and preferred to give his best for the country by opting out of the IPL.
He is a crucial part of the Australian bowling attack, forming a brilliant partnership with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. He won the two ODI World Cups, one T20 World Cup and was also part of the squad that won the ICC World Test Championship against India in 2023.
He began his cricketing journey as a wicketkeeper in age-group cricket and went on to become one of Australia’s premier pacers. His dedication and ability to perform consistently for the team despite several injuries made him one of the greatest.
Starc need five wickets to achieve historic feat
In 99 Test matches, Starc has picked up 395 wickets and needs five more to complete 400 wickets in the longest format. He is known as one of the best bowlers in day-night cricket and has picked up 74 wickets in pink-ball Test matches at a stunning average of just over 18 runs per wicket. He will look to complete the historic milestone on West Indian soil.
‘It makes me feel old’: Mitchell Starc reflects on journey to 100 Test matches
The Australian pacer joked when asked about his journey and said that it makes him feel old. He further added that growing up, he always wanted to wear the Test cap and didn’t think he would play one game, but to have 99 chances to do that has been a privilege for him.
“I didn’t have a lot through the period where the ball didn’t do anything. I obviously had the ability to reverse swing it, but that portion through the middle. Then to be able to bowl in different facets of the game, different conditions around the world. It’s probably helped me get as far down the track as I have” Starc added.