Pakistan Legend Wasim Akram has hailed Mitchell Starc as “incredible” after the Australian left-arm pacer surpassed his career tally of 414 Test wickets during the second Ashes Test against England at the Gabba on December 6, 2025, becoming the most prolific left-arm fast bowler in Test history. Starc, 35, reached the landmark with his sixth wicket in England’s second innings, adding to his first-innings 6/75 and a vital 77 with the bat earlier in the match.

Speaking to AFP, Akram praised Starc’s dedication amid the lure of lucrative T20 leagues: “Starc has shown a great amount of dedication and focus in these times of too much cricket… He did play T20 leagues but then decided to play more Tests and left the shorter format because he wanted to be remembered as one of the best in the world in the history of the game.” The Sultan of Swing predicted that in a decade’s time, when cricket historians pick an all-time Test XI, “Starc will be named in that team for sure.”

Starc himself paid tribute to Akram immediately after the milestone, insisting, “Wasim’s still a far better bowler than I am.” Akram graciously deflected the comparison, noting the different eras—his own on flatter subcontinental tracks versus Starc’s on bouncier Australian pitches—and the modern batter’s aggressive mindset that makes wicket-taking harder than ever.

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The Pakistan great was particularly impressed by Starc’s enduring pace and passion at 35. “His pace is still there, and passion remains at its peak. He has been incredible as a fast bowler and is enjoying fast bowling, so he can go on and on,” Akram said.

Starc’s record now stands at 420 Test wickets from 102 matches, achieved at an average of 27.74 and strike rate of 49.0. His Ashes series haul currently reads 13 wickets, including two five-fors, and his 83 day-night Test scalps remain a world record. With the series poised at 1-0 to Australia and three tests remaining—including the Adelaide pink-ball fixture where Starc has historically excelled—Akram’s prediction of more milestones looks well within reach.

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