Teammates Celebrate as Australian Fast Bowler Approaches 100 Test Matches and 400 Wickets

Mitchell Starc is on the verge of a significant achievement, poised to become only the second Australian fast bowler to reach 100 Test matches, following in the footsteps of Glenn McGrath. He is also nearing another milestone, needing just five wickets to join the exclusive 400-wicket club. This comes as he prepares for the landmark Test match against the West Indies in Jamaica.

Josh Hazlewood, reflecting on his long-time teammate, recalled his initial impression of a young Starc. Hazlewood first encountered Starc in the under-17s, where he was immediately struck by his pace. He noted that Starc's raw talent was evident from the start, and it was a matter of honing that talent and making incremental improvements over the years.

Hazlewood highlighted their shared journey, having played together across various formats and age groups. They have been teammates in numerous Test matches, white-ball games for Australia, and Sheffield Shield matches for New South Wales. Hazlewood emphasized the remarkable feat of maintaining such pace throughout his career, acknowledging the dedication and effort required to achieve 100 Test matches as a fast bowler.

Australian captain Pat Cummins also paid tribute to Starc, emphasizing the significance of reaching 100 Tests for a fast bowler. Cummins pointed out the necessary skills, adaptability to different conditions, and the competition faced from other bowlers. He specifically praised Starc's longevity, discipline, and professionalism in maintaining his body to bowl at such high speeds throughout his career. Cummins noted Starc's resilience in dealing with various physical issues, his unwavering commitment to playing for Australia, and the valuable lessons he has learned from Starc's approach.