Mitchell Starc reaches 450 Test wickets, only 2nd Australian pacer to do so
Synopsis
Mitchell Starc became only the second Australian fast bowler — after Glenn McGrath — to claim 450 Test wickets, reaching the mark in just 109 matches, sixth fewest in history. He did it with a DRS-assisted glove catch dismissal of Wiaan Mulder in Gqeberha, with Australia already 1-0 up and eyeing a series win on South African soil for the first time since 1997.
Key Takeaways
Mitchell Starc claimed his 450th Test wicket on 20 October 2026 during the 2nd Test vs South Africa at St George's Park, Gqeberha .
He is the second Australian fast bowler after Glenn McGrath and the fourth Australian overall to reach the milestone.
Starc reached 450 wickets in 109 matches — the third fewest by any Australian bowler and sixth fewest overall in Test history.
The milestone wicket was Wiaan Mulder , caught behind by Alex Carey off a glove edge, confirmed on DRS review .
Australia are 1-0 up in the series and had reduced South Africa to 97 for 5 by end of Day 2.
Australia last won a Test at Gqeberha in 1997 .
Mitchell Starc etched his name deeper into cricket history on Day 3 of the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park, Gqeberha, becoming only the second Australian fast bowler to claim 450 Test wickets. The left-arm speedster joined Glenn McGrath in the exclusive club and is now the fourth Australian overall to reach the milestone.
How the Milestone Wicket Fell
The landmark dismissal came when Starc produced a sharp, rising delivery to Wiaan Mulder early in the first innings on Tuesday, 20 October 2026. The ball surprised Mulder, who instinctively raised his hands, with a faint glove edge carrying through to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. The on-field umpire initially missed the nick, but Australia successfully reviewed, and Starc had his 450th Test scalp.
Where Starc Stands in Australia's All-Time List
The wicket placed Starc fourth on Australia's all-time Test wicket-takers' chart. The full leaderboard reads: Shane Warne leads with 708 wickets, followed by spinner Nathan Lyon on 573, Glenn McGrath on 563, and Starc on 450*. Legendary pacer Dennis Lillee sits fifth with 355 wickets.
Speed to the Milestone
Notably, Starc reached 450 wickets in just 109 matches — the third fewest by any Australian bowler and sixth fewest overall in Test cricket history. Only spin giants Muttiah Muralitharan (80 matches), Ravichandran Ashwin (89 matches), and Anil Kumble (93 matches) got there faster, along with McGrath (100) and Warne (101). The pace at which Starc has accumulated wickets underlines his status as one of the most potent fast bowlers of his generation.
Australia's Position in the Series
The moment arrived with Australia firmly in control of the match and the series. Scott Boland's four-wicket haul across the rain-affected opening two days, combined with Starc's dismissal of Matthew Breetzke, had reduced South Africa to 97 for 5 at stumps on Day 2. Australia enter Day 3 already 1-0 up in the series, eyeing a rare victory in Gqeberha — a ground where they have not won a Test since 1997.
What Happens Next
With South Africa in a precarious position and Australia's pace attack firing, the tourists will be keen to wrap up the second Test quickly and seal a series win away from home. Starc, still an active force at the highest level, will look to build on his tally as Australia push for a 2-0 series lead.
Point of View
Australia's ability to apply pressure in Gqeberha, a ground they have not won at since 1997, suggests this touring side is something more than the sum of its milestones.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Test wickets does Mitchell Starc have?
As of 20 October 2026, Mitchell Starc has taken 450 Test wickets, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker in Australian Test history. He claimed the milestone during the second Test against South Africa at St George's Park, Gqeberha.
Which Australian fast bowlers have taken 450 or more Test wickets?
Only two Australian fast bowlers have taken 450 or more Test wickets: Glenn McGrath with 563, and Mitchell Starc with 450. Spinners Shane Warne (708) and Nathan Lyon (573) lead the all-time Australian list.
How quickly did Starc reach 450 Test wickets?
Starc reached 450 wickets in 109 matches, which is the third fewest by any Australian bowler and sixth fewest overall in Test cricket. Muttiah Muralitharan (80 matches), R Ashwin (89), and Anil Kumble (93) reached the mark faster.
What was the milestone wicket and how did it fall?
The 450th wicket was Wiaan Mulder, dismissed via a glove edge to wicketkeeper Alex Carey off a Starc short-pitched delivery. The on-field umpire did not initially detect the nick, but Australia secured the dismissal through a successful DRS review.
What is Australia's position in the South Africa Test series?
Australia are 1-0 up heading into the second Test at Gqeberha. South Africa were reduced to 97 for 5 by the end of Day 2, leaving the tourists well-placed to seal the series. Australia have not won a Test in Gqeberha since 1997.
