WTC Final: Mitchell Starc Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in ICC Finals, Overshadows Mohammed Shami
In a sensational display of pace bowling at the hallowed grounds of Lord’s, Australia’s Mitchell Starc etched his name in cricket history during the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa. On a dramatic first day, Starc surpassed India’s Mohammed Shami to become the leading wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals, claiming 11 wickets across six innings in such high-stakes encounters.
Starc’s record-breaking moment came as he dismantled South Africa’s top order, finishing with pivotal scalps including Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton. His tally of 11 wickets in ICC finals, achieved at an impressive average of 26.63 and an economy rate of 5.17, eclipsed Shami’s previous mark of 10 wickets. Starc’s best performance in a final remains his 3/55 against India in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad, a match Australia won to clinch the coveted trophy. Shami, by comparison, holds a record of 10 wickets in four ICC finals at an average of 38.90, with his standout figures of 4/76 coming in the 2021 WTC Final against New Zealand.
The day itself was a bowler’s paradise, with a staggering 14 wickets tumbling for just 255 runs. Australia, after being bowled out for a modest 212 in their first innings, unleashed their lethal pace trio of Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood. South Africa, caught off guard by the fiery bowling, slumped to a precarious 43 for 4 by stumps. Earlier, South Africa’s own pace spearhead, Kagiso Rabada, had set the tone with a mesmerizing spell of 5 for 51, overtaking the legendary Allan Donald to climb higher in South Africa’s all-time Test wicket charts. Supported by Marco Jansen (3 for 49), Rabada tore through Australia’s middle order, despite gritty resistance from Steve Smith (66) and debutant Beau Webster (72), who forged a crucial partnership.
As the dust settled on an enthralling day of Test cricket, Australia found themselves firmly in the driver’s seat. South Africa, reeling under pressure, will need a monumental effort from their remaining batters to claw back into the contest. The Proteas’ struggles were epitomized by their inability to counter Australia’s relentless pace attack, a unit that has consistently proven its mettle on the biggest stages. A fascinating stat to note: Starc now leads the wicket-taking charts in ICC finals, a testament to his knack for delivering under pressure, having played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumphs across formats.
As we head into the second day of this gripping WTC Final, all eyes will be on whether South Africa can muster a fightback or if Australia’s pace battery, led by the record-breaking Starc, will continue to dominate. With the match delicately poised, cricket fans around the globe are in for a treat as two of the game’s heavyweight teams battle for the ultimate Test crown at the Home of Cricket. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling encounter unfolds!