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“He's still far better…”: Starc’s humble take after surpassing Wasim Akram in left-arm wickets

Umesh Sharma

Mitchell Starc and Wasim Akram (Source: AFP) Mitchell Starc and Wasim Akram (Source: AFP) 

The veteran Australia pacer Mitchell Starc achieved a historic feat in Test cricket on the day one of the ongoing second Ashes Test against England. The moment came on the second ball of the 40th over of Australia’s first innings, when Starc dismissed Harry Brook to surpass the former legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram to become the ‘leading Test wicket-taker among left-arm seamers’. 

Playing a crucial role in bundling out Australia at the score of 334, Starc claimed figures of 6/75 in his 20 overs. His performance came as a sigh of relief for the Aussies who are already minus two key pacers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood in the attack. 

“He's still the pinnacle of left-armers…” - Mitchell Starc 

Meanwhile, the former Pak legend Wasim Akram also lauded Starc for achieving a unique feat in the longest format of the game. Akram came up with a post on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) when the first day’s play was in action. 

“Super Starc! Proud of you, mate. Your incredible hard work sets you apart, and it was only a matter of time before you crossed my tally of wickets . I am pleased to give this to you! Go well, and keep soaring to new heights in your stellar career,” read Wasim Akram’s tweet. 

Subsequently, Starc was also asked a question around the same during the post-match press conference on day one. Starc was asked if he has now reached the point where he can be called GOAT (greatest of all time). Replying humbly to the question, the Aussie quick rated Wasim Akram way better than himself. 

“I'll reflect on it later, Wasim's still a far better bowler than I am. So as far as I'm concerned he's still the pinnacle of left-armers and certainly right up there with bowlers to ever play the game. So it's nice to be spoken of up around that, but I'll just try and keep churning a few out,” said Starc.

Spekaing of the overall records for the 'leading wicket-takers in the Tests among left-arm bowlers', Starc, with 418 wickets, is now just 15 wickets behind the former legendary Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath who had 433 wickets to his name in his 93-match illustrious Test career.