Mitchell Starc has etched his name in the annals of cricket history, surpassing Mohammed Shami to claim a remarkable record in ICC finals. The towering Australian left-arm pacer achieved this feat during the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa at Lord's, further solidifying his reputation as a big-match player.
Australia, after being put in to bat first, were bundled out for a modest 212, largely due to a brilliant display of fast bowling from Kagiso Rabada, who claimed a five-wicket haul. With the reigning champions under pressure, Starc responded emphatically, dismissing both South African openers, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, in quick succession. These crucial wickets propelled Starc past Shami in the list of bowlers with the most wickets in ICC finals across all formats (Tests, T20Is, and ODIs).
As of June 11, 2025, Starc now holds the record with 11 wickets in 6 innings in ICC finals. Mohammed Shami trails behind with 10 wickets in 6 innings, followed by Trent Boult, Ravindra Jadeja, Kyle Jamieson, and Glenn McGrath.
Starc's performance in the WTC final not only secured this milestone but also added to his impressive tally in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle, bringing him level with his captain, Pat Cummins, at 74 wickets. His overall Test career has now seen him claim 384 wickets, surpassing the legendary Sir Ian Botham in the all-time list of Test wicket-takers. Furthermore, Starc's twin strikes in the match took his international wickets tally to 707, moving him ahead of Daniel Vettori, with Harbhajan Singh next in his sights.
This achievement underscores Starc's ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stages. His contributions in crucial matches have been instrumental in Australia's success over the years. Starc played a key role in Australia's triumph at the 2015 Cricket World Cup, where he was named Player of the Tournament, grabbing 22 wickets. His stellar showing in the 2023 World Cup, where he claimed 16 scalps en route to securing the trophy, underscored his unwavering consistency and match-winning ability.
While Starc has overtaken Shami in this specific record, it's important to acknowledge Mohammed Shami's own impressive career. Shami has been a mainstay of the Indian bowling attack and has achieved several milestones, including becoming the fastest Indian bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets. In the 2023 World Cup, Shami was the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in just 7 matches.
Starc's recent feat also highlights his remarkable record in first overs of Test matches. The dismissal of Aiden Markram in the WTC final marked his 19th first-over wicket in his Test career since his debut in 2012, equaling James Anderson's record. This statistic demonstrates his ability to make an immediate impact and put pressure on the opposition from the very beginning of an innings.
Mitchell Starc's journey has not been without its challenges. He has faced injuries and personal setbacks. His recent decision to prioritize international cricket and family over the IPL also shows his commitment to the Australian team. He withdrew from the recent Champions Trophy ODI tournament due to concerns he held about playing in Pakistan.
His dedication and skill have made him a formidable force in world cricket. As he continues his career, Starc will undoubtedly aim to add more achievements to his already impressive resume, further cementing his place among the legends of the game.
