Australia’s Mitchell Starc scripted history on Wednesday at Lord’s by becoming the leading wicket-taker in ICC tournament finals, overtaking India’s Mohammed Shami. Starc now has 11 wickets in six innings, eclipsing Shami’s mark of 10, as Australia fought back strongly with the ball in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa.In five ICC finals, Starc has now accumulated 11 wickets at an average of 26.63 and an economy rate of 5.17. His best figures of 3/55 came against India in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup final in Ahmedabad, which Australia won.Shami’s record in ICC finals stands at 10 wickets from four matches, with an average of 38.90 and an economy rate of 3.95. His best bowling performance was 4/76 in the 2021 WTC final against New Zealand.
On a day dominated by bowlers from both sides, 14 wickets fell for just 255 runs. After being bowled out for 212 in the first innings, Australia’s pace trio hit back with fire and discipline to leave South Africa reeling at 43 for 4 by stumps. Starc struck early, dismissing Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, before Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood joined the attack. The Proteas’ batters struggled under pressure, and Australia finished the day firmly on top despite a modest total. Earlier, it was Kagiso Rabada who lit up Lord’s with a brilliant spell of 5 for 51, supported by Marco Jansen (3 for 49), as Australia collapsed from a decent 190 for 5 to 212 all out. Steve Smith (66) and Beau Webster (72) were the standout batters, while Rabada’s haul saw him overtake Allan Donald in South Africa’s all-time Test wicket list. As the second day begins, the match is finely poised. South Africa will resume under pressure, while Australia will look to press home the advantage with their formidable pace attack.
