Mitchell Starc is on the cusp of another major landmark in his Test career. He has a chance of becoming the fourth bowler and second pacer to take 50 or more wickets at The Gabba in Brisbane. Starc is currently placed fourth behind Shane Warne (68), Glenn McGrath (65) and Nathan Lyon (51).
The 34-year-old Starc will have a chance to go past the 50-wicket landmark in Brisbane when India and Australia lock horns in the third Test, starting December 14. The left-armer has taken 47 wickets from 11 Tests at an economy rate of 3.54 with the best figures of 4/52.
Most Test wickets in Brisbane
Shane Warne – 68 wickets from 11 Tests
Glenn McGrath – 65 wickets from 13 Tests
Nathan Lyon – 51 wickets from 13 Tests
Mitchell Starc – 47 wickets from 11 Tests
Mitchell Starc rattles India in Adelaide
Although it was Travis Head, who won the Player of the Match award, Starc hogged the headlines for his fiery spell in the Day-Night Test at the Adelaide Oval. Starc set the tone for Australia’s massive 10-wicket win. Starc started the match by taking Yashasvi Jaiswal’s wicket with the very first ball he bowled.
He finished with figures of 14.1-2-48-6, helping Australia bowl their opponents out for 180 in the first innings. Starc breathed fire even in the second innings where he got the wickets of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. In both innings, Starc showed why he is regarded as one of the best in the business.
After losing the Perth Test by 295 runs, Australia made a comeback to draw level at the Adelaide Oval. It remains to be seen if they can carry the momentum into Brisbane.