Mitchell Starc Created History: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has etched his name in the record books by surpassing legendary cricketer Ian Botham in the list of highest wicket-takers in Test cricket. With this remarkable achievement, Starc has now entered the elite list of the top 20 bowlers with the most wickets in Test history. His consistent performance and ability to deliver under pressure have once again captured the attention of the cricketing world.
Mitchell Starc Creates History at WTC Final 2025, Surpasses Ian Botham in Test Wickets
The grand finale of the ICC World Test Championship 2023–25 began with high expectations on June 11 at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The match features a heavyweight clash between cricketing powerhouses Australia and South Africa. While both teams aim to etch their name into the championship legacy, one player already made history on Day 1 — Australia’s speedster Mitchell Starc. With his lethal bowling, Starc not only put his team in a strong position but also achieved a personal milestone that’s making headlines across the cricketing world.
On the opening day itself, Starc displayed exceptional control, pace, and consistency. Amid the pressure of a high-stakes final, the left-arm pacer rose to the occasion, dismissing two South African batsmen in quick succession. One of those wickets happened to be his 384th in Test cricket, propelling him ahead of legendary English cricketer Sir Ian Botham on the all-time wicket-takers list.
Starc Surpasses Ian Botham
Breaking records in cricket isn’t just about numbers — it’s about legacy. Starc has now surpassed one of the sport’s most iconic figures, Ian Botham, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in cricket history. Botham, who played for England between 1977 and 1992, was known for his fearless batting and swing bowling. In his career, he played 102 Test matches, claiming 383 wickets in 168 innings at an average of 28.4.
Starc, with his second wicket in the ongoing final, reached 384 wickets, placing him in the top 20 of all-time Test wicket-takers. It’s a significant moment, not just for him personally but for Australian cricket, as he joins the ranks of bowling legends who’ve consistently delivered at the highest level. His achievement is especially noteworthy considering he is still an active player and has several matches ahead to further climb the leaderboard.
Mitchell Starc’s Test Career So Far
Mitchell Starc’s journey in Test cricket has been marked by speed, accuracy, and relentless aggression. Since making his Test debut in 2011, Starc has developed into one of the most dangerous bowlers across formats. As of this match, he has featured in 97 Test matches and bowled in 185 innings, securing 384 wickets at a stellar average of 27.45.
What sets him apart is not just his ability to take wickets, but to do so at crucial moments. He has produced match-winning spells on numerous occasions. His best bowling figures in an innings — 6 for 48 — came in conditions that tested even the best of bowlers. Moreover, his record includes two instances of 10-wicket hauls in a match and 15 five-wicket hauls, showcasing his ability to dominate across innings.
In addition to his bowling, Starc is often relied upon for crucial lower-order runs. In 140 innings, he has scored 2,218 runs with an average of 19.98, including 10 fifties. His all-round contributions have helped Australia on many occasions, particularly when building partnerships in tight situations.
Murali Still Tops the Charts
Despite Starc’s remarkable feat, the summit of Test cricket’s wicket-taking records remains firmly in the grasp of Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka’s spin wizard. Murali’s career, which spanned from 1992 to 2010, is unmatched in consistency and longevity. In 133 Test matches, he bowled 230 innings and collected a world-record 800 wickets, maintaining an extraordinary bowling average of 22.72.
His career was filled with extraordinary performances. He claimed 67 five-wicket hauls, 22 ten-wicket match hauls, and 45 four-wicket innings. These numbers are a testament to his incredible control, guile, and match awareness, which few bowlers have ever come close to replicating.
While Muralitharan’s record is unlikely to be broken soon, Mitchell Starc’s name now sits alongside some of the game’s greatest bowlers. His achievement of entering the top 20 wicket-takers list is not only a celebration of individual brilliance but a reflection of his contribution to Australia’s continued success in Test cricket.
As the WTC Final unfolds, fans and analysts alike are watching to see how much further Starc can push his legacy. With more matches to play and his form showing no signs of decline, the Australian pacer is well-poised to rise even higher in the record books and perhaps challenge some of the sport’s most revered bowling figures in the near future.
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