Mitchell Starc has reached 450 wickets in Test cricket, becoming the first left-arm bowler to achieve the landmark in the format’s history. The Australian quick reached the mark during the second Test of the Australia vs South Africa series at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, dismissing South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder. The breakthrough also saw Starc surpass Glenn McGrath’s record for the fewest balls required to take 450 Test wickets. It was another significant milestone in an international career that has made Mitchell Starc a key figure in Australia’s bowling attack across formats.

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Mitchell Starc Makes History Against South Africa

The landmark wicket came during the third day’s play after rain affected proceedings earlier in the contest. Mulder, who scored 13 runs from 38 deliveries, was caught by Matt Renshaw off Starc’s bowling. Mitchell Starc had already dismissed Matthew Breetzke for four in the match, adding to Australia’s efforts to restrict the hosts. His second wicket against South Africa brought up the 450-wicket mark and placed him in a category previously untouched by any left-arm spinner or fast bowler in Test cricket. The achievement also underlined Starc’s importance to Australia in the longer format. His ability to generate pace and movement has made him a regular threat, particularly when conditions offer assistance to fast bowlers.

Mitchell Starc Breaks Glenn McGrath’s Record

Starc reached 450 Test wickets in 20,577 deliveries, beating McGrath’s previous benchmark of 23,474 balls. The difference highlights how quickly the left-arm pacer has accumulated wickets throughout his career. However, McGrath remains ahead of Starc when the milestone is measured by Test appearances. The former Australia fast bowler claimed his 450th wicket in his 100th Test, whereas Mitchell Starc achieved the feat in his 109th match. Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan holds the overall record for reaching 450 Test wickets in the fewest matches, having completed the milestone in his 80th appearance. Starc’s achievement therefore represents a record based on deliveries bowled, rather than matches played.

Mitchell Starc Joins Australia’s Elite

Starc is the fourth Australian bowler to claim at least 450 Test wickets, following Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Nathan Lyon. His latest achievement adds another chapter to Australia’s history in the longest format. Among left-arm bowlers, Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath previously led the group with 433 Test wickets, followed by Pakistan’s Wasim Akram with 414 and New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori with 362. Starc has now moved beyond those totals.

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What the Milestone Means for Australia

The Australia vs South Africa Test Match has provided another reminder of Starc’s value to the side. His record-breaking spell strengthens his standing in international Cricket and gives Australia another experienced leader in its pace attack. For the ICC’s Test cricket landscape, the milestone highlights the longevity and consistency required to reach such numbers. Mitchell Starc’s 450 wickets place him among the format’s leading bowlers, with his left-arm angle offering Australia a distinct option. The Australia vs South Africa contest continues to test both sides, but Starc has already secured a place in Test history.

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