Mitchell Starc breaks Stuart Broad's all-time batting record

BRISBANE: Australia's experienced pacer Mitchell Starc on Saturday surpassed former England cricketer Stuart Broad as the leading run-scorer at the No.9 position in Tests.

The left-handed batter soared to the summit with an anchoring half-century on the third day of the pink-ball Ashes Test against England, scheduled to conclude on Monday.

Starc, who came out to bat at No.9 when Australia were 383/7 in response to England's 334 all out, frustrated the touring side's bowling unit with his batting skills.

The 35-year-old batted sensibly for over two-and-a-half hours and returned after top-scoring for Australia with 77 off 141 deliveries, studded with 13 fours.

With his 11th half-century in the format, Starc pipped Broad to become the player with the most runs batting at No.9 in Tests, having scored 1408 runs, 19 more than the latter's tally.

Most runs batting at No.9 in Tests

• Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 1408 runs

• Stuart Broad (England) – 1389 runs

• Tim Southee (New Zealand) – 1245 runs

• Daniel Vettori (New Zealand) – 1105 runs

• Brett Lee (Australia) – 1003 runs

Starc's batting exploits, coupled with half-centuries from Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith and Alex Carey, helped Australia secure a handy 177-run lead as they finished at 511 all out in 117.3 overs.

The touring side were in a precarious position at the end of the third day's play as they had been reduced to 134/6, needing a further 43 runs to avoid innings defeat. Ben Stokes and Will Jacks, both unbeaten on four, will resume England's second innings on the penultimate day.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Michael Neser have taken two wickets thus far in the second innings.