Mitchell Starc Enters Record Books: Becomes Top Wicket-Taker in ICC Finals During WTC Clash

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc etched his name in cricket history on Wednesday (June 11, 2025), becoming the highest wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals during the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord’s.

Playing in his fifth ICC final, Starc secured his 11th wicket in tournament deciders. This surpasses the previous record of 10 wickets held by India’s Mohammed Shami across four finals, solidifying Starc’s reputation as a premier performer in crucial matches.

The left-arm paceman achieved the milestone emphatically. He struck early in South Africa’s second innings, clean bowling opener Aiden Markram for a duck. Starc followed this by dismissing Ryan Rickelton for 16, ending Day 1 with impressive figures of 2/10 from a potent spell.

Simultaneously, Starc ascended to joint second place for wickets taken in all ICC knockout matches. He now shares this position (22 wickets) with former Australian great Glenn Glenn McGrath and Mohammed Shami. The record holder remains former Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan with 23 wickets.

Starc’s early breakthroughs significantly pressured South Africa, leaving them struggling at 43/4 by stumps. Trailing Australia’s first innings total of 212 by 169 runs, the Proteas face a daunting task on Day 2. Starc, exploiting a responsive Lord’s pitch, will aim to extend his record and propel Australia towards their second WTC title. Australia’s earlier total was anchored despite a five-wicket haul by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada, but Starc’s spell swung momentum back towards the Australians by day’s end.