Mitchell Starc Joins Elite Club with 700 International Wickets, Becomes Australia’s Fourth-Highest Wicket-Taker

The veteran pacer reaches historic milestone during first Test against Sri Lanka, trailing only Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Brett Lee.

Galle, January 30: Mitchell Starc has etched his name in history by becoming only the fourth Australian bowler to take 700 international wickets, reaching the milestone during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Starc’s landmark wicket came in the fifth over of Sri Lanka’s innings, after Australia had declared at a mammoth 654/6. Delivering a ball with extra bounce and fine pace, Starc forced Dimuth Karunaratne into a poor shot, edging it straight to Nathan McSweeney at gully. The former Sri Lankan captain departed for 7, marking Starc’s 700th international wicket.

“An incredible achievement for one of Australia’s greatest pacers,” cricket pundits hailed, as Starc joined an elite club of legendary Australian bowlers.

Starc Among Australia’s All-Time Greats

🏏 Most International Wickets for Australia:
1️⃣ Shane Warne – 999 wickets (338 matches)
2️⃣ Glenn McGrath – 948 wickets (375 matches)
3️⃣ Brett Lee – 718 wickets (322 matches)
4️⃣ Mitchell Starc – 700 wickets (287 matches)

Breaking Down Starc’s Dominance Across Formats

✔ Test Cricket: 377 wickets in 95 matches (15 five-wicket hauls, 2 ten-wicket hauls)
✔ ODIs: 244 wickets in 127 matches (9 five-wicket hauls, best 6/28)
✔ T20Is: 79 wickets in 65 matches (Australia’s leading pace bowler in the format)

Match Recap: Australia’s Batting Masterclass in Galle

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia piled up a record-breaking 654/6 declared, their highest-ever total in Asia.

🔥 Key Performances:
✅ Usman Khawaja: 232 (352 balls, 16 fours, 1 six) – Maiden double century
✅ Steve Smith: 141 (251 balls, 12 fours, 2 sixes) – Crossed 10,000 Test runs milestone
✅ Josh Inglis: 102 (94 balls, 10 fours, 1 six) – Century on Test debut
✅ Alex Carey (46), Beau Webster (23), Mitchell Starc (19)** – Crucial lower-order contributions

🚨 Historic Record: Australia’s 654/6 declared surpassed their previous highest total in Asia – 617 vs Pakistan in Faisalabad (1980).

Sri Lanka Struggles in Response

At stumps on Day 2, Sri Lanka ended at 44/3, losing key wickets early. Kamindu Mendis (13) and Dinesh Chandimal (9)** will resume their fight against an in-form Australian bowling attack.

With Starc’s milestone, Australia’s batting dominance, and Sri Lanka reeling, the first Test is shaping up to be a one-sided affair in favor of the Baggy Greens.