Mitchell Starc delivered a masterclass in pace and precision on Tuesday, claiming his 20th five-wicket haul in Test cricket to help Australia stage a dramatic comeback against South Africa at Newlands. The left-arm quick returned figures of 6/72, dismantling a South African side that had appeared firmly in control after openers Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman added 140 runs. Ackerman fell for 95 off 94 balls, while Markram was dismissed for 78, as Starc’s relentless spell reduced the Proteas from 203/1 to 329 all out, completely shifting the momentum of the deciding third Test.
Australian pacer dismantles South Africa’s top order to claim historic milestone at Newlands
This performance elevates Starc’s international tally to 29 five-wicket hauls, placing him level with Dale Steyn on the all-time list for the most such figures in the format. With 20 five-fors in Tests and nine in ODIs, the Australian fast bowler has firmly established himself among the elite of the game. He now sits sixth on the historical leaderboard, trailing only legends Richard Hadlee (41), Glenn McGrath (36), Waqar Younis (35), James Anderson (34), and Wasim Akram (31).
Starc’s feat also cements his status as the most prolific active fast bowler in Test history regarding five-wicket hauls. He has moved ahead of Kagiso Rabada, who holds 17 such figures, and Jasprit Bumrah, who has 16. This milestone underscores Starc’s enduring dominance in the format, proving that despite the passage of time, he remains a primary threat capable of turning matches on their head with a single devastating spell.
Source: Yahoo Sports
