Mitchell Starc 100th Test: A Monumental Milestone
Mitchell Starc, Australia’s left-arm pace enforcer, has officially joined Test cricket’s elite by playing his 100th Test match against West Indies at Sabina Park, Jamaica. Starc becomes just the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath to reach this iconic landmark and the 15th overall from Australia to earn 100 caps in the format.
Fast Bowling Greatness Measured in Strikes
Since debuting in December 2011 against New Zealand, Starc has taken the field in 99 of Australia’s 141 Tests, picking up a staggering 395 wickets at an average of 27.39 and a strike rate of just 48 — the best among pacers at this stage of their career.
He’s now poised to become the eighth pacer in Test history to reach the double of 400 wickets and 100 Tests, a record previously achieved by legends like James Anderson, Glenn McGrath, and Dale Steyn.
Fastest to 400 Wickets by Strike Rate (Among Pacers)
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Dale Steyn – 16,634 balls
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Mitchell Starc – 18,971 balls
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Richard Hadlee – 20,322 balls
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Glenn McGrath – 20,436 balls
If Starc gets five wickets in Jamaica, he could be the second-fastest by balls bowled to reach 400 — a true testament to his pace and penetration. Mitchell Starc 100th Test
Left-Hander Nightmare
Out of his 395 wickets, 125 are left-handers, taken at a strike rate of 44.86 balls per wicket — second only to Kagiso Rabada among bowlers with 100+ left-hander dismissals. He’s more effective than Ashwin and averages better against lefties than most pacers of this era. Mitchell Starc 100th Test
Against right-handers, his record is no less impressive — 270 wickets at a 49.67 strike rate.
Most Test Wickets Against Openers Since 2002
| Bowler | Wickets | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Anderson | 195 | 30.18 | 65.1 |
| Stuart Broad | 140 | 35.19 | 71.4 |
| R Ashwin | 121 | 23.51 | 55.7 |
| Tim Southee | 112 | 31.14 | 62.5 |
| Dale Steyn | 107 | 27.74 | 51.1 |
| Mitchell Starc | 107 | 30.46 | 54.1 |
The Pink-Ball King
In day-night Test matches, Starc has dominated like no other. With 74 wickets in just 13 pink-ball Tests, he leads the charts comfortably. His strike rate of 34.8 is the best among bowlers with 20+ wickets in D/N Tests.
He is also the only bowler with four five-wicket hauls in this format. Mitchell Starc 100th Test
Fortress Adelaide and Home Dominance
Starc’s favorite hunting ground has been Adelaide Oval, where he has taken 55 wickets in just 10 Tests at a ridiculous average of 17.14 — including his career-best 6/48 against India in 2024. Mitchell Starc 100th Test
Overall, he has 235 wickets in Australia, only behind McGrath (289). Among all bowlers with 200+ wickets at home, Starc’s average and strike rate rank among the best for a pacer. Mitchell Starc 100th Test
First-Over Specialist and Early Strikes
Starc has claimed 20 wickets in the first over of a Test innings since 2002 — only behind James Anderson (29). His famous scalping of Rory Burns on the first ball of the 2021 Ashes still lives rent-free in fans’ minds.
Contribution to Wins
Of his 395 wickets, 246 have come in victories — the most by any fast bowler in Test wins since 2011, ahead of Stuart Broad (242) and Anderson (233). Mitchell Starc 100th Test
He has been a match-winner, not just a stat-padder. Mitchell Starc 100th Test
Starc in Elite Company
Here’s how Mitchell Starc stacks up against the greatest after 99 Tests:
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Most wickets in wins since 2011 – 246
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Highest pink-ball Test wicket-taker – 74
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Best strike rate for a pacer with 300+ wickets – 48
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Second-most wickets vs openers among current players
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125 left-handers dismissed — second best ever
From 2011 to 2025: A Journey of Fire and Fight
Starc has faced injuries, been rested, rotated, and still managed to evolve into Australia’s most lethal weapon across conditions. He has adapted to different roles — leader of the attack, strike bowler, or support act. But his ability to swing the new ball at 145+ km/h and reverse the old one has never faded. Mitchell Starc 100th Test
What’s Next?
At 34, Starc still has pace, fitness, and form. With five wickets separating him from 400, his 100th Test could go down as one of his most memorable. Given his love for big occasions and the records he’s hunting, don’t be surprised if he scripts another memorable chapter in Sabina Park. Mitchell Starc 100th Test
Summary:
Mitchell Starc in Tests (as of 99 matches):
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Matches: 99
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Wickets: 395
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Average: 27.39
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Strike Rate: 48
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Five-Wicket Hauls: 14
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Best: 6/50
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Home Wickets: 235
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Pink Ball Wickets: 74
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Wickets vs Left-Handers: 125
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Wins: 246 wickets
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