Mitchell Starc, Australia’s left-arm pace sensation, has added another significant accolade to his illustrious cricketing career. During the third One-Day International (ODI) match of the five-match series against England, Starc overtook the legendary Mitchell Johnson to become Australia’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in ODIs.
The rise of Starc
From early days, Starc showed immense promise with his ability to swing the ball at high speeds. Over time, his skillset evolved, and he became one of Australia’s most reliable weapons in white-ball cricket.
The pivotal moment came during the third over of England’s innings. Starc claimed his 240th wicket by dismissing England opener Phil Salt. The delivery was a beauty short of a length and angling towards the body, which forced Salt into an awkward position. He mistimed his shot, and the ball looped off the bat, landing safely into Matthew Short’s hands at mid-wicket. Not content with just one scalp, Starc struck again four balls later, dismissing Ben Duckett for 8. England’s top order was rattled, reeling at 25/2 after six overs. Starc reached this milestone in just his 123rd ODI match, surpassing Johnson’s 239 wickets in 153 games.
Comparison with Mitchell Johnson
Mitchell Johnson is a legendary figure in Australian cricket, known for his lethal pace and aggression. His 239 ODI wickets came over a span of 153 matches, and he played a key role in Australia’s success during his career. Starc surpassing Johnson is a significant milestone not just for Starc but also for Australian cricket.
With 241 wickets to his name and counting, Starc has already etched his name among the top wicket-takers in Australian cricket history. He has 12 four-wicket hauls and 9 five-wicket hauls in ODIs, a testament to his wicket-taking ability. His consistent performances in ICC tournaments have been particularly noteworthy, helping Australia win crucial matches.
Starc is now the fourth-highest wicket-taker for Australia in ODIs, trailing only Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, and Shane Warne. If he continues in his current form, he could challenge the top spots in the years to come.
Most ODI Wickets for Australia
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy | Best Figues |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn McGrath | 249 | 380 | 21.98 | 3.87 | 7/15 |
| Brett Lee | 221 | 380 | 23.36 | 4.76 | 5/22 |
| Shane Warne | 193 | 291 | 25.82 | 4.25 | 5/33 |
| Mitchell Starc | 123* | 241 | 22.71 | 5.20 | 6/28 |
| Mitchell Johnson | 159 | 239 | 25.26 | 4.83 | 6/31 |
Impact on the Third ODI
In the third ODI, Starc’s two early wickets set the tone for Australia’s dominance. England’s top order crumbled, and they struggled to recover. Starc’s relentless accuracy and aggressive pace left England in a precarious position early on. Australia, having posted a solid total of 304/7, looked well-positioned for another victory. Fifties from Steve Smith and Alex Carey provided the platform for Australia’s batting, but it was Starc’s bowling that truly broke England’s spirit.
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