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🌟 A Century of Tests for the Left-Arm Maestro
Mitchell Starc, the Aussie pace machine with the lethal inswinging yorker, reached a towering milestone this week — 100 Test matches.
And no praise came higher than from Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who labeled him:
🗨️ “A modern-day great. One of the finest left-arm pacers to ever play the game.”
📊 Starc’s Test Career at a Glance
| Category | Stat | Rank (Among Aussies) |
|---|---|---|
| Tests Played | 100 | 7th (Pacer) |
| Wickets | 349 | 5th Overall |
| Bowling Average | 27.4 | Top 3 (Left-armers) |
| 5-Wicket Hauls | 15 | Elite Tier |
| Fastest Ball | 160.4 km/h (2015) | 2nd Fastest Ever |
🧠 Akram’s Full Praise
🎙️ “He’s dangerous with the new ball, lethal with the old. And to sustain pace for 100 Tests — that’s elite. He’s the kind of bowler every team fears.”
— Wasim Akram, speaking after Starc’s 100th Test toss at Lord’s
The former “Sultan of Swing” praised Starc’s longevity, fitness, and ability to adapt across continents.
🔥 Memorable Moments
📌 2015 Ashes at Trent Bridge – 6/50 swinging the ball both ways
📌 2021 vs India at MCG – Reverse swing masterclass
📌 2023 vs South Africa – Career-best 7/39 on a green-top in Brisbane
💬 Reactions Around the Cricket World
🗣️ Pat Cummins: “Starcy’s heart is as big as his run-up. He’s given his all for this team.”
🗣️ Ricky Ponting: “He’s the best white-ball bowler in the world — but his red-ball legacy is now undeniable too.”
🗣️ Shane Bond: “As a left-armer, there’s no one quite like Starc — pure pace, pure passion.”
🧾 Editor’s Take
Mitchell Starc’s 100th Test isn’t just a personal achievement — it’s a landmark in Australian cricket. In an era of workload management and white-ball lures, he’s stayed true to the red ball, producing moments of magic for over a decade.
From 150+ km/h thunderbolts to match-turning spells, Starc’s name is now etched among the greats.
