Mitchell Starc claims GOAT status as he takes stunning all-time Test record

Mitchell Starc is officially a GOAT after his latest wicket to claim an all-time Test record.

The Australian seam bowler is now officially the top wicket taker for left-arm fast bowlers in history, passing the legend Wasim Akram.

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The second Ashes Test is a pink-ball contest being held at The Gabba in Brisbane.

This means it is day-night, and Starc is the greatest pink-ball bowler of all time, and he proved why here.

Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first, which is the decision most teams take during a day-night Test to try and take advantage of the daylight.

But Starc ensured it was a dreadful start for England as he claimed Ben Duckett for nothing inside the first over.

This was the 26th time in his career that he’s claimed a wicket inside the first over.

He then quickly got Ollie Pope to drag on to move level with Akram on the all-time list with 414 wickets as a left-arm fast bowler.

England rebuilt, with Zak Crawley and Joe Root putting on a record session and making 117 before Crawley went.

This brought Harry Brook to the crease, who survived a stumping attempt before Australia brought Starc back.

It took him just two balls to get Brook swiping at the ball and sending it straight into Steve Smith’s hands at slip.

It was clear, he didn’t realise, but that was the moment that has made Starc a GOAT and put his name into the history books.

And his teammate Alex Carey was delighted.

Speaking at the second break, he said: “Huge moment. I have been lucky enough to stand behind for him for a few years now.

“He is one of our greatest, both in terms of Australia and on the world stage, and I hope he can deliver this evening for us.

“But that’s amazing news. He’s an absolute ripper.”

The great man Akram also publicly congratulated Starc.

On a post on X, he said: “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.”

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Modern-day legend

Starc has always been a key part of Australia’s bowling line-up of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

As a unit, they have been one of the best in Australia’s Test history.

However, in Perth and here, Starc doesn’t have his usual partners, meaning all of the pressure is on him.

In the first Test, he responded with his best-ever figures of 7-56 before taking three in the second innings as well, giving him ten for the Test.

Travis Head got a lot of the plaudits for his ridiculous century, but Starc was the Player of the Match.

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And here in Brisbane, he put Australia into an excellent position.

He then had to come out of the attack to rest, and that is when England exploited the lack of Starc through Crawley and Root.

But we are now into a crucial stage of the Test.

The lights are on and Starc has the ball again with Root at the crease, but he’s lost Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith in quick succession.