Mitchell Starc becomes most successful left-arm pacer in Tests: Stats
What's the story
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc continues to script history in Test cricket. He is now the most successful left-arm fast bowler in the format, going past the legendary Wasim Akram. Starc reached the landmark by dismissing England's Harry Brook on Day 1 of the 2nd Ashes Test at The Gabba, Brisbane. Brook was Starc's third victim in the ongoing Day-Night Test.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Pakistan's Wasim Akram is deemed the greatest left-arm seamer in Test and ODI cricket. He is arguably the greatest exponent of swinging the ball both ways. Over the years, several prolific left-arm seamers have graced the sport. And Starc now tops the pile in terms of Test wickets. The latter is one of the few bowlers to play both Test and ODI cricket actively.
Stats
Starc makes history with 415th wicket
According to ESPNcricinfo, Starc surpassed Akram with his 415th wicket in Test cricket. The former Pakistan speedster took 414 wickets from 104 Tests at an average of 23.62. He owns 25 fifers and 5 match hauls of 10 wickets. It is worth noting that Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas remains the only other left-arm pacer with 350-plus Test wickets (355).
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Over 700 wickets across formats
Starc is one of only three left-arm pacers with 700-plus wickets across formats. The Aussie pacer (740-plus) is only behind Akram (916) and Vaas (761). Notably, Starc owns 247 ODI and 79 T20I wickets.