Mitchell Starc opens up after achieving 300 wickets landmark in Test Cricket
Mitchell Starc picked up his 300th Test wicket on Sunday and joined the elite club during the first match against South Africa at the Gabba. The 32-year-old Australia fast bowler breached the defence of Rassie van der Dussen for a four-ball duck to achieve the milestone. He further went on to add one more wicket, dismissing Keshav Maharaj before Australia wrapped up the first Test on the second day.
Starc has now joined the likes of Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Dennis Lillee, Nathan Lyon, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne in taking 300-plus Test wickets for Australia.
“It is pretty cool. (Cameron) Green said it, the ball that got the wicket was better than the one where he dropped the catch. It is cool and prestigious. I might reflect when all is done and dusted,” Starc said after the match.
When asked what has helped his bowling, Starc praised his teammates. “(Scott) Boland’s come in and been unbelievable. Josh’s (Hazlewood) been great. We have complemented and know how to get the best of each other.”
Australia restricted South Africa to 152 after opting to bowl as Nathan Lyon and Starc picked up three wickets each. In reply, Travis Head’s 92 lifted Australia to post 218 in their first innings and took a lead of 66 runs.
The longevity to take 300 and play ten years is great: Pat Cummins
On Day 2, Australian bowlers came to the party once again and bundled out South Africa for just 99. Captain Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers who picked up 5/42. The hosts, who needed only 34 runs to win, fumbled a bit before securing a six-wicket victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After the match, Pat Cummins lauded Starc’s achievement, saying: “Keeps impressing. The longevity to take 300 and play ten years is great, he keeps going to a different level. Around the wicket, nipping the ball away is a new skill. He is a huge member of our team, continues to get better.”
Mitchell Starc has 301 Test wickets in 74 matches to his name at an average of 27.20 and a strike rate of 49.5.
Related Posts
