Mitchell Starc has surpassed Pakistan legend Wasim Akram to become the most successful left-arm pace bowler in Test cricket, but the Australian fast bowler insists that comparisons are misplaced. Starc reached the milestone during the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, collecting six wickets to take his tally to 418, four more than Akram.

Despite the landmark, Starc was quick to downplay any suggestion that he has eclipsed one of the sport’s greatest icons. Speaking after play, he described Akram as “the pinnacle of left-armers”, adding that his own achievements do not alter the Pakistani legend’s place in cricket history.

The left-armer’s outstanding performance came at a time when Australia’s bowling attack was missing several key figures. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were unavailable due to injury, while Nathan Lyon was left out of the side. That left Starc with a younger and less experienced group of teammates, yet he still managed to cause problems for England in difficult day-night conditions.

Starc surpassed Akram’s record when he dismissed Harry Brook for his 415th wicket, marking a moment that will be etched into Ashes history. The achievement came 14 years after his Test debut at the very same venue, highlighting remarkable longevity in a fast-bowling role that often shortens careers.

His current form has been a major factor in Australia’s control of the Ashes series. Starc has taken 16 wickets across the contest, including a career-best 7-58 in the opening Test in Perth. His consistency under pressure has placed him among the most productive fast bowlers of his generation.

Starc has now climbed to 15th on the all-time Test wicket-taking list, moving ahead of India’s Harbhajan Singh. He is within reach of Shaun Pollock (421) and Sir Richard Hadlee (431), and needs 16 more wickets to surpass Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath, the most prolific left-arm bowler in Test cricket with 433.

For cricket fans, the comparison between Starc and Akram represents two distinct eras and styles. Akram’s skill, swing, and tactical mastery made him the gold standard for left-arm fast bowling. Starc, meanwhile, has shaped his reputation through pace, aggression, and match-winning spells that often shift momentum.

While records change, Starc’s humble acknowledgment reinforces Akram’s lasting impact on the sport. It also reflects a respect shared by modern fast bowlers for the generation that set the standard before them. As Starc continues to climb the rankings, the debate over left-arm greatness may intensify, but to him, the answer remains simple: Wasim Akram is still the benchmark.