Cricket loves its debates: Bradman vs the universe, Tendulkar vs Lara, Warne vs Murali. But few arguments evoke as much tribal passion as: Who is the greatest left-arm fast bowler of all time? For decades, that conversation began and ended with three words: Wasim. Akram. Period.
And then at the Gabba, Mitchell Starc did something statistically undeniable: he moved past Wasim’s Test wicket tally. His 6 for 71 against England wasn’t just another pink-ball masterclass; it was his fourth haul of six or more wickets in his last four innings, the kind of streak even the greats would envy. That took him to 418 Test wickets, five more than the Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram.
Starc’s Twilight Savagery Shows No Signs of Fading
Steven Smith didn’t unleash Starc early in the middle session by instinct; it was design. Starc in the twilight is almost mythological: 87 pink-ball wickets at 16.72, a record bordering on superstition. Holding him back for the magical hour paid off again. His first meaningful ball back angled across Harry Brook, producing an edge so sharp it practically whistled.
This wasn’t luck; this was a bowler who had mastered the cruelty of modern Test rhythms. In an era of flat pitches, truncated series, and fast-bowling workloads bordering on inhumane, Starc’s bursts are still decisive, still devastating, still utterly match-shaping.
A Workload Most Mortals Would Crumble Under
Australia entered Brisbane missing 1,116 Test wickets: Cummins, Hazlewood, and even Lyon sitting out meant Starc wasn’t an enforcer; he was the entire artillery. And yet, he didn’t shrink. He expanded. Duckett in the first over (yet again), Pope rattled 99 batters now bowled by Starc in Tests, the ultimate fast bowler’s signature.
From Jacks to Atkinson to Carse, the wickets weren’t part of a hot streak; they were a lesson in adaptability. Cross-seam, wobble, over-the-wicket angle, round-the-wicket menace. Starc’s toolbox is deeper now than it was even five years ago. At 35, he should be slowing down. Instead, he’s entering the most destructive phase of his career.
Breaking Records While Rejecting the Crown
Most bowlers would have embraced the “GOAT” tag with a playful shrug. Not Starc. His reply, “I won’t be calling myself that”, felt almost old-school, like something McGrath or Walsh would’ve said in the 90s.
But make no mistake: history won’t stay polite just because Starc is.
His 18th Test five-for at the Gabba put him ahead of Wasim on the left-arm wicket chart. His pace hasn’t dipped below 140. His yorker is still the most televised murder weapon in cricket. And for three straight Tests, he has flirted with career-best figures.
Wasim’s Blessing Signals a Passing of the Torch
Wasim Akram congratulating Starc on X was more than courtesy; it was an endorsement. He didn’t just tip his hat; he handed over the entire podium: “He is a modern great. He has plenty of cricket in him. I think he will get 500 Test wickets.”
When Akram publicly says a bowler is the hardest in the world to face, that’s not analysis, that’s an elder statesman reading the future. Starc didn’t claim the crown. Wasim practically placed it on his head.
If he does push toward 500 wickets as Wasim predicts, then the debate will shift from “Is Starc the greatest left-armer?” to something even bigger: “Is he among the greatest fast bowlers full stop?”
Cricket, brace yourself. The left arm is rewriting its own scripture.
Key Takeaway
Starc isn’t chasing greatness anymore; greatness is chasing him.
FAQs
- Why is Starc’s pink-ball record so special?
Because no fast bowler in history has combined pace, swing, and twilight mastery with such devastating consistency.
- What makes Starc different from Wasim Akram?
Wasim brought unmatched artistry; Starc adds raw velocity and unmatched longevity in the modern era.
- How close is Starc to the 500-wicket mark?
Still, some distance away, but at his current form and fitness, the target looks more likely than ever.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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