Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has also made history by surpassing the record of the Pakistan legend Wasim Akram to be the highest wicket taker left arm fast bowler in Test cricket. He did this on the first day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane where he got 6 wickets with a cost of 71 runs against England. Through this performance, Starc surpassed the 414 wickets of Wasim to get himself to 418 Test wickets.
As soon as Starc passed the threshold, Wasim Akram celebrated the event via social media. He complimented the diligence, enthusiasm and perseverance of Starc by saying, Super Starc! Proud of you, mate. Your sheer hard work is one of your differences. Before you crossed my tally it was just a question of time. I have the pleasure to present this to you. Keep soaring!” Wasim was also confident that Starc will realize even more with a continuation of his career.
At the end of the day play, Starc replied to the message of Wasim in a modest way by stating that he still regards Wasim as the best left-arm fast bowler of all times. He replied, Wasim is a much better bowler than I am. He is the epitome of left-armers and one of the finest bowlers to have ever played. I like the fact that I was brought up close to him, though I will continue doing my job. This humility gained him fans all over the world.
Ricky Ponting Compliments the Legacy of Starc
Ricky Ponting is a former captain of Australia but he also commended Starc due to his success. In an interview on The ICC Review, Ponting noted the influence of Starc following the completion of 100 Test matches and 400 wicks this year. Starc has become the fourth most successful wicket-taker in the history of the Australian Test, with only Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon ahead of him.
Both sides had big names in the playing XIs of the match. Australia had Jake Weatherald, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey and Joshua Inglis, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, and Brendan Doggett. England had Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer.
The series of Ashes is followed by Tests at Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. Australia is already leading the second Test after defeating the first one by eight wickets.
READ: More Sports Updates
