‘Proud of you’: Wasim Akram hails Mitchell Starc after record-breaking feat

BRISBANE: Pakistan cricket legend Wasim Akram has praised Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc after he broke Akram’s long-standing record during the opening day of the pink-ball Ashes Test against England at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Akram took to social media platform 'X' to congratulate Starc, lauding his dedication and skill. 

“Super Starc! Proud of you, mate. Your incredible hard work sets you apart, and it was only a matter of time before you crossed my tally of wickets. I am pleased to give this to you! Go well, and keep soaring to new heights in your stellar career,” Akram wrote.

Starc etched his name in cricket history by surpassing Akram’s record of 414 Test wickets. The Australian fast bowler now has 415 wickets in just 102 matches, becoming the highest-wicket taker among left-arm pacers in Test cricket.

He delivered a sensational opening spell, dismissing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope for ducks, putting England under early pressure and setting the tone for the day. 

He also claimed the crucial wicket of Harry Brook during the day-night clash.

England, who won the toss and elected to bat, faced a formidable pace attack from Australia, with veteran spinner Nathan Lyon rested for only the second time at home since 2012 and Pat Cummins unavailable.

Starc struck on the final ball of his first over, sending Ben Duckett back for a golden duck with a full outswinger that edged to Marnus Labuschagne at slip.

In his next over, he dismissed Ollie Pope, who chopped the delivery onto his stumps for another duck.

With Duckett’s wicket, Starc now has 84 wickets in day-night Tests — the most by any bowler globally — 41 ahead of teammate Pat Cummins, who is second with 43 wickets. 

He also became the first bowler in history to take more than 20 wickets against a single team (England) in pink-ball Tests.

At the time of filing, England were 215-6 in 57 overs. Opening batter Zak Crawley led the innings with 76 runs off 93 balls, including 11 fours. 

After Duckett and Pope were dismissed early, Joe Root and Harry Brook steadied the innings, with Root unbeaten on 61 off 99 deliveries and Brook contributing 24 runs. 

Brook was later dismissed for 31 off 33 balls, while Ben Stokes was run out by Josh Inglis for 19 off 49 deliveries.

Jamie Smith was clean bowled by Scott Boland for a duck, while Root and Will Jacks remained at the crease.