LAHORE – Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc says he still considers Akram the greatest left-arm fast bowler in the world despite that he surpassed legendary Pakistani pacer Wasim Akram’s Test wicket tally.
Starc broke the former Pakistan captain’s long-standing record of 414 Test wickets on the opening day of the second Ashes Test against England, becoming the highest wicket-taking left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket history.
Speaking at the post-day press conference, Starc was asked whether breaking Akram’s record made him the greatest left-arm pacer of all time. He immediately dismissed the suggestion, saying Akram remained far superior.
“I don’t think of myself that way. I still believe Wasim Akram is a much better bowler than me. He is still at the top among all left-arm fast bowlers,” Starc said.
The Australian pacer added that he felt honoured to have his name mentioned alongside such a legendary figure. “It makes me very happy that my name is taken with someone like him. I just try to take wickets through my performances.”
A day earlier, Wasim Akram had congratulated Starc on social media, praising his hard work and expressing delight at seeing his record broken. “You are an incredibly dedicated bowler, and I’m happy you broke my record. Keep performing and shining,” Akram wrote.
England’s James Anderson remains the highest wicket-taking fast bowler in Test history, with 704 wickets in 188 matches.
