On Monday (November 4), Australia kicked off their home summer by taking on Pakistan in the first ODI of the three-game series. Under the leadership of captain Pat Cummins, Australia won the toss and opted to bowl first, allowing Pakistan to bat at the historic Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Mitchell Starc’s dominant bowling display

The match commenced with Pakistan’s openers, Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub, adopting a cautious approach to their innings. However, Australia quickly seized the initiative in the third over, thanks to a brilliant delivery from left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc. By adjusting his length, Starc induced an inside edge from Ayub, which deflected back onto the stumps, giving Australia an early wicket that set the tone for the innings. Throughout this opening match, Starc showcased his formidable bowling skills, ending the day with remarkable figures of 3 wickets for 33 runs from his allotted 10 overs, claiming the scalps of key players Shaheen Afridi, Shafique and Ayub.

Also WATCH: Saim Ayub falls cheaply in debut after Mitchell Starc disturbs his stumps | AUS vs PAK, 1st ODI

Starc’s record-breaking milestone: Shatters Brett Lee’s milestone

Starc’s outstanding performance led him to make history by becoming the fastest bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets on Australian soil, surpassing the previous record held by Brett Lee. While Lee achieved this milestone in 55 innings, Starc did so in just 54. This accomplishment places him among an elite group, as he becomes the sixth bowler to take 100 ODI wickets in Australia, joining icons such as Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Craig McDermott and Steve Waugh. Impressively, Starc boasts a strike rate of 26.1 balls per wicket, the best among this select group and second overall for bowlers with at least 50 ODI wickets in Australia, only behind Clint McKay’s strike rate of 24.7.

Fastest 100 Wickets by Australian Bowlers in Australia :

• Mitchell Starc: Reached 100 wickets in 54 innings,
• Brett Lee: Reached 100 wickets in 55 innings
• Glenn McGrath: Reached 100 wickets in 56 innings
• Shane Warne: Reached 100 wickets in 61 innings
• Craig McDermott: Reached 100 wickets in 71 innings
• Steve Waugh: Reached 100 wickets in 93 innings

Best bowling strike rates & AVG at home in ODIs : (minimum 100 wkts) ⤵️

26.1 – Mitchell Starc
26.4 – Trent Boult
29.8 – Brett Lee
30.9 – Dwayne Bravo
31.0 – Ajit Agarkar

Best AVG ⤵️

20.12 – McGrath
20.23 – Shaun Pollock
21.17 – M Starc
21.48 – Trent Boult#AusVsPak

— M (@anngrypakiistan) November 4, 2024

Starc’s exceptional outing not only reinforced his status as a premier fast bowler but also allowed him to surpass Waugh’s record for the most ODI wickets taken on home soil. Starc now holds 102 wickets in Australia, while Waugh had amassed 101. The overall record for ODI wickets in Australia is still held by Brett Lee, who achieved a total of 169 wickets in his distinguished career. Starc’s consistent wicket-taking ability and his knack for delivering in critical moments highlight his vital role within the Australian team and affirm his position as one of the top bowlers in modern cricket.

Also WATCH: Pat Cummins removes Kamran Ghulam with a ferocious bouncer in the 1st ODI | AUS vs PAK

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