Mitchell Starc Surpasses Wasim Akram in Elite Rankings to Become Leading Wicket-Taker in Test Cricket

Mitchell Starc has crossed another major milestone in his career. The Australian pacer has gone past Wasim Akram to become the highest wicket-taking left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket. He achieved this during the second Ashes Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.

Starc now has 415 wickets in 102 matches. He moved one step ahead of Akram, who finished with 414 wickets from 104 Tests. The moment capped a long run of consistency and hard work for the tall left-armer.

Starc’s journey has been built on pace, swing, and a fearless approach. He has stayed in the Australian attack for more than a decade, even as injuries tested him. His record in pink-ball Tests stands out the most. He has taken more than 80 wickets in day-night matches at an average a little above 17. Few bowlers have been as dominant under lights.

He had reached 400 wickets in his 100th Test against West Indies in July 2025. In that match he also produced the fastest five-wicket haul in Test history. It felt like a sign that more records were coming.

A short comparison with Akram shows the respect between eras. Akram still owns the better average and more five wicket hauls. But Starc has shaped matches in his own way. His bursts with the new ball and his skill at attacking the stumps have kept Australia strong across conditions. Many in Australia now see him alongside the nation’s great fast bowlers.

The updated list of top left-arm Test pacers now reads. Starc 415. Akram 414. Chaminda Vaas 355. Trent Boult 317. Mitchell Johnson 313. Zaheer Khan 311. The numbers show how difficult it is to stay at the top for so long.

Most Test Wickets for Left-Arm Pacers

1. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 415
2. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 414
3. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 355
4. Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 317
5. Mitchell Johnson (Australia) – 313
6. Zaheer Khan (India) – 311