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Legendary cricketer and one of the all-time great fast bowlers Wasim Akram has lavished praise on Australia quick Mitchell Starc for surpassing his wicket tally in the longest format of the game during the pink-ball Ashes Test.
Akram, 59, took to his social media account to mention the pacer’s hard work, which helped him reach the top level.
“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,” Akram wrote on X
Earlier in the day, the tall Australian quick became the highest wicket-taker among left-arm pacers in Test cricket, leaving behind the legendary Pakistani pacer.
He crossed the landmark by dismissing Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook in a devastating opening spell of the day-night Test, taking his tally to 415 wickets in just 102 matches.
Akram had previously held the record with 414 wickets from 104 Tests.
Most Wickets in Test cricket by Left-Arm Pacers:
| Player | Team | Matches | Wickets |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | 102 | 418* |
| Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 104 | 414 |
| Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 111 | 355 |
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | 78 | 317 |
| Mitchell Johnson | Australia | 73 | 313 |
Moreover, Starc also strengthened his remarkable dominance in pink-ball cricket.
He now has 87 wickets in day-night Tests, the most by any bowler globally, and has become the first player in Test history to claim more than 20 wickets against a single opponent in pink-ball matches.
Nonetheless, Mitchell Starc picked up another five-wicket haul and ended the day’s play with six wickets to his name. Meanwhile, England managed to add a crucial number of runs on the last wicket and finished the opening day with 325-9.
Joe Root remained unbeaten at 135 from 202 balls, whereas Jofra Archer hit a quickfire 32 from 26 balls.
READ: Joe Root ends Australian century wait in second Ashes Test
