Mitchell Starc Poised to Surpass personal Best in Brisbane Test
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – Mitchell Starc is on the cusp of achieving a new personal best for wickets taken in a calendar year, with the upcoming pink-ball Test at the Gabba presenting a prime opportunity to surpass his previous high of 60 wickets set in 2016. The left-arm fast bowler currently has 58 wickets in 2024, needing just three more in the remaining three matches of the year to break his record.
Starc’s potential milestone arrives at a crucial juncture for Australia’s bowling attack, with concerns surrounding the fitness of fellow pacemen pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Cummins is working to return from a back stress injury, while Hazlewood is likely to miss the second Test due to a hamstring strain, possibly sidelining him for much of the summer for the second consecutive year.this situation elevates Starc’s importance,particularly at a venue where he has a strong past record.
Former Australian spinner Kerry O’Keeffe lauded Starc’s enduring quality, stating, “This guy is a bowler of the ages and we’ve taken him for granted for so long.” O’keeffe also highlighted Starc’s continued pace and effectiveness despite being in what is traditionally a fast bowler’s twilight period at age 35, noting his strike rate remains exceptional.
The second Test of the 2025-26 NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes series is scheduled for December 4-8 at the Gabba in Brisbane, a day/night match beginning at 3pm AEDT. Australia currently leads the series 1-0 after winning the frist Test by eight wickets.
