December 25, 2024: Mitchell Starc’s remarkable journey in international cricket continues to captivate fans and experts alike as he approaches the impressive milestone of 700 international wickets. With the ongoing Test series between India and Australia poised at 1-1, Starc’s form and experience could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the series, especially as he targets this milestone.
Having already taken 14 wickets in the series, including a devastating spell of 6/48 at the Adelaide Oval in the pink-ball Test, Starc is in excellent rhythm. As he stands just five wickets away from his 700th scalp, he is set to join an elite group of Australian bowlers that includes Shane Warne (1,001 wickets), Glenn McGrath (949), and Brett Lee (718).
Starc’s stats across formats are a testament to his consistency and adaptability. In Test cricket, he has claimed 372 wickets in 92 matches, while in ODIs, he has taken 244 wickets in 127 matches, and in T20Is, 79 wickets from 65 matches. His best bowling figures of 6/28 in ODIs and 6/48 in Tests highlight his knack for delivering match-winning performances. He has also played an integral part in Australia’s major victories, including two ICC Cricket World Cup titles and the ICC World Test Championship.
What makes his career even more remarkable is his consistency against India. With 99 wickets against India in 45 matches, Starc is one wicket away from becoming only the third Australian bowler to reach 100 wickets against India, following in the footsteps of Nathan Lyon and Brett Lee. His figures against India (average of 33.51) underscore his effectiveness in challenging conditions.
As India faces Australia in the Boxing Day Test, the Indian batsmen will need to be wary of Starc’s pace and ability to reverse the ball, particularly in the challenging conditions of the MCG. Starc’s performance in this Test could not only propel Australia to victory but also help him etch his name further into the history books of world cricket.
