Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has reached a major milestone in international cricket, claiming his 450th Test wicket during the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha. The left-arm pacer achieved the feat on the third day of the match by dismissing South African batter Wiaan Mulder.
The achievement placed Starc among a select group of bowlers in Test history. He became the first left-arm bowler to take 450 wickets in the longest format and also broke a record held by former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath for the fewest deliveries required to reach the milestone.
Wiaan Mulder’s Dismissal Brings Up the Milestone
Starc reached the landmark during South Africa’s first innings at St George’s Park. Bowling a short delivery to Mulder, Starc surprised the batter with the bounce. Mulder attempted to protect himself, and the ball brushed his glove before deflecting off his helmet towards the slips.
Matt Renshaw completed the catch, but the on-field umpire initially ruled Mulder not out. Australia reviewed the decision, and the review identified contact with the glove, resulting in the decision being overturned.
Mulder was dismissed for 13 runs from 38 deliveries. The wicket gave Starc his 450th Test scalp and marked a significant moment in his international career.
Starc Surpasses Glenn McGrath’s Record
Starc’s achievement was notable not only for the number of wickets but also for the efficiency with which he reached the milestone. According to published match reports, he needed 20,577 deliveries to take his first 450 Test wickets.
McGrath had previously held the record, reaching 450 wickets after bowling 23,474 deliveries. Starc therefore surpassed the former Australia quick by a considerable margin in terms of balls bowled.
However, the record needs to be understood in context. Starc reached 450 wickets in his 109th Test, while McGrath achieved the milestone in his 100th match. Starc’s record relates to the number of deliveries bowled, not the number of matches played.
Sri Lankan legend Muttiah Muralitharan remains the fastest bowler to reach 450 Test wickets by appearances, having done so in 80 matches. The distinction between wickets per match and wickets per delivery is important when comparing achievements across different eras and playing styles.
First Left-Arm Bowler to Reach 450 Test Wickets
Starc has become the leading wicket-taker among left-arm bowlers in Test cricket, reaching a mark no other left-armer had previously achieved. Before his milestone, Pakistan great Wasim Akram had been one of the most successful left-arm fast bowlers in the format, finishing his Test career with 414 wickets. Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath also recorded an outstanding Test career, taking 433 wickets.
Starc’s achievement reflects his longevity and effectiveness as a fast bowler. Known for his pace, ability to swing the new ball and capacity to deliver dangerous short-pitched bowling, he has been a central figure in Australia’s attack across home and overseas conditions.
His ability to take wickets with both the new ball and older ball has helped him build a significant record in Test cricket. Reaching 450 wickets places him among the leading bowlers of his generation and strengthens his position in Australia’s cricket history.
Starc Among Australia’s Leading Test Bowlers
With 450 Test wickets, Starc became only the fourth Australian bowler to reach the landmark. Shane Warne remains Australia’s leading Test wicket-taker with 708 wickets, followed by Nathan Lyon with 573 and Glenn McGrath with 563. Starc joined these three greats in the 450-wicket group.
The milestone is particularly significant because Australia has produced several generations of highly successful bowlers. Warne dominated with leg-spin, Lyon has built his record as a long-serving off-spinner, and McGrath was renowned for his accuracy and consistency. Starc has established his place through left-arm pace, swing and attacking spells.
South Africa Fight Back in the Second Test
Although Starc’s milestone was a major talking point, South Africa also produced a strong batting performance during the match. Captain Temba Bavuma led the recovery with a commanding innings, while contributions from the lower order helped the hosts build a substantial first-innings total.
South Africa had lost early wickets but recovered through partnerships that placed pressure on Australia’s bowling attack. Bavuma’s innings and support from the lower order helped the hosts declare at 425 for nine, according to match reports.
The performance gave South Africa a strong position in the contest, despite Starc’s achievement and Australia’s efforts to take wickets. It also demonstrated how an individual milestone can occur during a match in which the broader result remains uncertain.
A Significant Chapter in Starc’s Career
Starc’s 450th Test wicket is a landmark achievement in a career defined by pace, aggression and sustained international performance. Becoming the first left-arm bowler to reach the figure makes the record especially distinctive, while his delivery count places him ahead of McGrath in this particular statistical category.
The achievement adds to Starc’s standing among Australia’s most successful Test bowlers. As his career continues, his wicket tally and ability to deliver in major matches will remain important parts of his legacy in international cricket.
