Mitchell Starc Surpasses Mohammed Shami To Claim Historic Milestone On Day 1 Of AUS Vs SA WTC 2025 Final

The grand stage of Lord’s—cricket’s most hallowed turf—once again became the backdrop for a gripping chapter in the sport’s storied history as the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final unfolded with breathtaking drama. In a match already loaded with pressure and prestige, Day 1 saw a fierce duel between bat and ball, dominated by fast bowlers from both camps. South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada lit the spark with a five-wicket haul that rocked the Australian batting lineup, but it was Mitchell Starc who truly stole the show—writing his name into the annals of cricketing greatness with a spellbinding and record-breaking performance.

Starc didn’t just rattle South Africa’s top order. He made history.

A Fiery Beginning at the Home of Cricket

Australia, the defending champions, found themselves under pressure right from the outset after being dismissed for a modest 212. Rabada, South Africa’s pace lynchpin, was electric, exploiting early movement to claim 5/51 and put the Proteas in command. With the iconic Lord’s slope and an overcast sky aiding the fast bowlers, the momentum appeared to have shifted in South Africa’s favor.

But then came Starc.

With a white-hot intensity and trademark inswing, Mitchell Starc turned the tide with the new ball. He wasted no time, dismissing opener Aiden Markram for a golden duck with a searing delivery that nipped back and clattered the stumps in the very first over. Moments later, he removed the dangerous Ryan Rickelton, pinning him LBW with an unplayable in-dipper. In a matter of overs, South Africa went from hopeful to haunted, and the scoreboard reflected the collapse—43/4 by stumps.

It was vintage Starc. Ruthless, clinical, and timely.

Starc the Record-Breaker: A Historic Milestone

As if the impact of his spell wasn’t dramatic enough, it also brought a monumental personal achievement. With those two scalps, Starc overtook India’s Mohammed Shami to become the leading wicket-taker in ICC finals across all formats. It’s a record that underscores Starc’s remarkable knack for delivering in the games that matter the most.

Most wickets in ICC finals (all formats):

Player	Wickets	Innings
Mitchell Starc	11	6
Mohammed Shami	10	6
Trent Boult	8	5
Ravindra Jadeja	8	10
Kyle Jamieson	8	3

Starc’s ICC final record is a parade of elite performances:

2015 ODI World Cup Final: 2 wickets against New Zealand, including the crucial dismissal of Brendon McCullum for a duck.
2023 WTC Final: 4 wickets in a relentless spell that dismantled India’s middle order.
2023 ODI World Cup Final: 3 wickets against India, once again showing his affinity for delivering under pressure.
2025 WTC Final (ongoing): 2 wickets already and counting.

These are not just statistics—they are moments that have shaped the course of world cricket.

A Big-Match Bowler Like No Other

There’s a reason why Starc has long been regarded as Australia’s ultimate trump card in high-stakes contests. His rhythm, swing, and intimidation factor have made him a menace, especially with the new ball. But what sets him apart is his temperament. While many players falter under pressure, Starc seems to rise, like fire fed by oxygen.

The label “big-match player” is often handed out generously, but Starc’s résumé justifies every syllable. He doesn’t just show up in finals—he dominates them.

The WTC Final Context: Turning the Tide

To truly appreciate the magnitude of Starc’s contribution, one must understand the match context. Australia’s 212 on Day 1 was underwhelming by any standard. The pressure was squarely on their bowlers to prevent South Africa from running away with the game.

In those moments of potential despair, Starc brought defiance.

His seven-over opening spell yielded 2 wickets for just 10 runs—a masterclass in control and aggression. He wasn’t alone. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood complemented the onslaught with tight lines and probing lengths, but it was Starc who set the tone. He didn’t just take wickets; he broke confidence, punctured egos, and silenced the noise.

South Africa, who had walked in with a spring in their step after Rabada’s brilliance, left Day 1 with heads down and problems to solve.

Rising in the Ranks: Starc’s Climb to Greatness

Beyond the immediate impact, Day 1 of the WTC final saw Starc climb several prestigious all-time lists. With his two wickets at Lord’s, he reached 74 wickets in the 2023-2025 WTC cycle, equaling Pat Cummins and only trailing India’s Jasprit Bumrah (77). It’s a remarkable feat that illustrates not just a one-off performance, but sustained excellence over two years of grueling Test cricket.

More notably, Starc also surpassed Sir Ian Botham’s career tally, moving to 384 Test wickets, a landmark that places him among the top echelon of fast bowlers in the game’s long history. The Australian now eyes the 400-club, a rarefied space occupied by the likes of Dale Steyn, Courtney Walsh, Glenn McGrath, and James Anderson.

And the manner in which he’s bowling—it’s not a question of if, but when.

Praise from the Legends

Cricketing greats from across the world lavished praise on Starc’s heroics. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, speaking during the broadcast, called it “the spell of the tournament” and added, “When you think about bowlers who turn games in a session, Mitchell Starc is right up there with the best we’ve seen.”

South African legend Allan Donald, commentating on the match, called Starc’s ability to get movement at high pace “a rare art” and admitted, “There’s no preparation for a bowler like him when he’s on song.”

What It Means for Australia

The psychological edge gained by Starc’s spell cannot be overstated. In a final, where margins are razor-thin and momentum swings matter more than ever, his early breakthroughs have given Australia a substantial upper hand. As the match heads into Day 2 and beyond, South Africa will need to rebuild from near ruins, and Australia’s fast-bowling trio will be circling for the kill.

Should Australia lift the WTC mace once again, it will be another jewel in Starc’s already glittering crown—and another chapter where his contribution will be remembered as pivotal.

A Legacy Written in Fire

Mitchell Starc’s journey from a tearaway left-armer to a generational fast bowler has been defined by resilience, reinvention, and raw, intimidating brilliance. From World Cups to Test finals, he has delivered time and again when the lights shine brightest. At Lord’s, he didn’t just swing a ball—he swung the pendulum of the WTC final.

Surpassing Mohammed Shami to become the most successful bowler in ICC finals is not merely a statistic—it is a declaration of his stature in world cricket. It is a record that cements his legacy and sets a benchmark for future generations.

As Day 1 drew to a close with South Africa in deep trouble and the Australian camp buoyant, one truth stood above all:

Mitchell Starc doesn’t just play finals—he defines them.

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