Starc Surpasses Akram but Hails Him as Greatest Left-Arm Bowler

SYDNEY: Australia’s fast bowler Mitchell Starc has broken former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram’s record for most wickets by a left-arm fast bowler, but he still regards Akram as the greatest of all time.

Starc surpassed Akram’s tally of 414 wickets during the first innings of the second Ashes Test against England, becoming the highest wicket-taking left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket.

After the day’s play, Starc was asked in a press conference whether breaking Akram’s record made him the greatest left-arm bowler of all time. Starc replied, “I don’t consider myself that. I believe Wasim Akram is still far superior to me. He remains the number one among left-arm fast bowlers.”

He added, “I am very happy that my name is being mentioned alongside such a great leader, but I am just focusing on taking wickets with my own performance.”

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Wasim Akram also congratulated Starc on social media, saying, “You are a very hardworking bowler, and I am glad you broke my record. Keep performing and shining.”

For context, the record for the most wickets by a fast bowler in Test cricket is held by England’s James Anderson, who has taken 704 wickets in 188 matches.