On the grand stage of international cricket, reaching 100 Test matches is a monumental achievement. For a fast bowler, it’s a testament to endurance, adaptability, and consistent brilliance. As Mitchell Starc joins the elite club of Australian Test centurions, fans and critics alike are asking the inevitable question: Is Mitchell Starc the greatest bowler of the 21st century?
In this detailed blog, we delve into Starc's journey from a tearaway left-arm quick to a legendary figure in modern cricket. We’ll explore his greatest spells, his evolution, the numbers that define his legacy, comparisons with other greats, and why his 100th Test may just cement his place among the all-time elite.
🔹 Early Life and Debut
Mitchell Aaron Starc, born on 30 January 1990 in New South Wales, Australia, was a naturally gifted athlete. A former wicketkeeper in his early cricket days, Starc shifted focus to bowling in his teenage years and soon started clocking extreme speeds with the ball.
He made his Test debut against New Zealand in December 2011 at the Gabba. Though his first few Tests were inconsistent, it was clear that Starc possessed rare pace, bounce, and swing that could dismantle any batting lineup.
🔹 Mitchell Starc's Career at a Glance
As of his 100th Test (2025):
- Matches: 100
- Wickets: 392+
- Five-wicket hauls: 19
- Ten-wicket match hauls: 4
- Bowling average: ~27
- Best bowling: 6/9
- Batting: 1800+ runs, 1 century, 10+ fifties
- Strike rate: ~49 (among the best for pacers in history)
He has been part of a golden Australian bowling lineup featuring Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon. Yet, in many crucial moments, it’s Starc who has been the x-factor, capable of turning matches within a single spell.
🔹 Defining Moments of Starc's Career
🏅 6/9 vs West Indies – July 2025
In his 100th Test, Starc produced one of the greatest fast bowling spells ever recorded. With 6 wickets for 9 runs, he bowled West Indies out for just 27, their lowest total in Test history. It was a fitting celebration of his century of Tests.
🌐 2015 World Cup
Starc was the Player of the Tournament in the 2015 Cricket World Cup, leading Australia to victory. His 22 wickets in just 8 games, including 6/28 against New Zealand, marked him as the most lethal white-ball bowler of the era.
🔴 2019 Ashes – Headingley
Although Australia lost the famous Ben Stokes Test, Starc's spells in the Ashes helped Australia retain the urn in England for the first time since 2001.
🏒 Pink Ball Prowess
Starc is the most successful bowler in Day-Night Tests, with over 60 wickets in pink-ball games, including multiple five-wicket hauls at Adelaide Oval. His control under lights and ability to swing the ball makes him near-unplayable.
🔹 Comparison with 21st Century Greats
| Bowler | Matches | Wickets | Avg | SR | 5WI | BBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dale Steyn | 93 | 439 | 22.95 | 42.3 | 26 | 7/51 |
| James Anderson | 187 | 700+ | 26.5 | 56.9 | 32 | 7/42 |
| Stuart Broad | 167 | 604 | 27.7 | 56.5 | 20 | 8/15 |
| Pat Cummins | 60+ | 280+ | 22.1 | 47.5 | 10 | 6/23 |
| Mitchell Starc | 100 | 392+ | ~27 | 49 | 19 | 6/9 |
Starc’s strike rate is superior to most, and his ability to destroy batting lineups quickly sets him apart. He’s also one of the few left-arm pacers in history to consistently maintain pace over 145 km/h for a decade.
🔹 Left-Arm Legacy
Mitchell Starc carries forward the legacy of left-arm legends like:
- Wasim Akram
- Zaheer Khan
- Chaminda Vaas
- Mitchell Johnson
But unlike these names, Starc has arguably outlasted them in longevity and success across formats. He’s also:
- The leading left-arm wicket-taker in World Cups
- The fastest left-arm pacer to 300 Test wickets
- The only bowler to take 3 five-wicket hauls in D/N Tests
🔹 Critics vs Supporters
Starc’s career has had ups and downs:
❌ Criticisms:
- Inconsistency in length and line
- Expensive spells in ODIs and T20s
- Struggles on flat tracks in India & UAE
✅ Praise:
- Match-winner under pressure
- Versatile across all formats
- Excellent lower-order batting contributions
🔹 The Mental Strength
Few pacers survive a decade with such injuries and workload. Starc has battled:
- Stress fractures
- Cartilage damage
- Personal setbacks (loss of family members)
Yet, he continues to deliver. His decision to prioritize red-ball cricket over franchise leagues like IPL speaks to his love for Test cricket.
🌟 Expert Quotes on Mitchell Starc
"He’s the most dangerous bowler in the world with the new ball." — Michael Vaughan
"He’s got that rare gift of speed and swing. Not many have it." — Wasim Akram
"Starc can blow away teams in a single spell – that’s his legacy." — Shane Warne
📊 Is He the Greatest of This Century?
Let’s assess based on key metrics:
- Match Impact: ✅ Yes
- Strike Rate: ✅ Yes
- Match-winning spells: ✅ Yes
- World Cup dominance: ✅ Yes
- Test longevity (100 Tests as a fast bowler): ✅ Rare
It’s difficult to pick one bowler as the definitive greatest, but Mitchell Starc ticks more boxes than most. He’s not just a consistent wicket-taker; he’s a destroyer.
🌟 Final Verdict
Mitchell Starc’s 100-Test journey is the story of a rare breed: a fast bowler who survived, evolved, and delivered in all conditions.
He’s not just among Australia’s greatest pacers – he’s a global icon. His unique blend of speed, skill, and spirit make him a once-in-a-generation talent.
Is Mitchell Starc the greatest bowler of this century? If greatness is defined by match-winning spells, versatility, strike rate, and longevity – then the answer is a resounding YES.
📅 Suggested Related Reading
- Mitchell Starc: Best Spells in Test History
- Top 5 Left-arm Pacers of All Time
- How Mitchell Starc Mastered the Pink Ball
- Evolution of Australia’s Pace Attack