Mitchell Starc can create history in WTC, golden opportunity to become number-1 by leaving behind two players of his own team

By Samira Vishwas On Dec 25, 2025

Mitchell Starc’s performance in the Ashes series 2025-26 being played between Australia and England has been very impressive so far. Starc, who has taken 22 wickets in three Test matches, has continuously troubled the opposition batsmen with an impressive average of 17.04 and is currently the most successful bowler of the series. Thanks to his lethal bowling, Australia has taken an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series.

Amidst this strong form, Mitchell Starc now has a chance to achieve a historic achievement in the World Test Championship. The record for taking the most wickets in the WTC is currently in the name of Nathan Lyon, who has 224 wickets in his account. Australian captain Pat Cummins is in second place with 221 wickets.

Starc has currently taken 213 wickets in 52 matches in the WTC and he needs only 11 wickets to top the list. The special thing is that both Lyon and Cummins are not available for the remaining matches of the Ashes series, which has made the path even easier for Starc.

Starc will have a great opportunity to make this record in his name in the Boxing Day Test to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from 26 December. If this achievement is not achieved here, then he will have another opportunity to create history in the Sydney Test also. Looking at the current momentum and confidence, it seems completely possible for Starc to accomplish this feat.

Australia squad for Melbourne Test against England: Steve Smith (captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Todd Murphy, Michael Neser, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

England’s playing eleven for Melbourne Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethel, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacques, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.