In a remarkable achievement during the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Perth, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc etched their names in cricket history by becoming Australia’s first new-ball pair to collectively claim 400 Test wickets. This milestone underscores their dominance and longevity in international cricket.
Table of Contents
The milestone achieved by Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc not only celebrates their past achievements but also sets the stage for future success. Their partnership, along with Pat Cummins, continues to be crucial for Australia’s dominance in Test cricket. As they continue their careers, their impact on Australian cricket’s rich fast-bowling legacy grows stronger, inspiring the next generation of pace bowlers
The Perth Performance
Opening Day Impact
The historic moment unfolded dramatically on Day 1:
- Starc dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal (0 off 8)
- Hazlewood removed Devdutt Padikkal (0 off 23)
- Immediate pressure on Indian batting lineup
- Demonstration of precise new-ball bowling
Individual Achievements
Josh Hazlewood’s Journey
- Debut: 2014
- Test Matches: 70
- Wickets: 273
- Average: 24.82
- Known for precision and consistency
- Remarkable control over line and length
Mitchell Starc’s Career
- Debut: 2011
- Test Wickets: 358
- Average: 27.74
- Rank: Fourth-highest Australian wicket-taker
- Second among Australian pacers
- Only behind Glenn McGrath (563)
Partnership Analysis
Combined Statistics
- 54 Tests together
- 400+ combined wickets
- Consistent performance
- Complementary bowling styles
- Strong partnership dynamics
The Pace Trio
- Partnership with Pat Cummins
- World Test Championship success
- Balanced attack combination
- Varied skill sets
- Strategic bowling rotations
Impact on Australian Cricket
Legacy Building
- Historic achievement
- Continuation of Australian pace tradition
- Setting new benchmarks
- Influence on younger generation
- Contribution to team success
Strategic Importance
- New-ball effectiveness
- Match-winning capabilities
- Pressure creation
- Wicket-taking ability
- Partnership longevity
Read More: Virat Kohli: The Australian Challenge Awaits
FAQs
Q1: What makes Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc such an effective new-ball partnership?
Their success stems from complementary bowling styles – Hazlewood’s precision and consistent line and length pairs perfectly with Starc’s aggressive, left-arm pace bowling. This combination, developed over 54 Tests together, creates constant pressure on opposing batsmen from both ends.
Q2: How significant is the 400-wicket milestone for Australian cricket?
This achievement is unprecedented in Australian cricket history for a new-ball partnership. It places Hazlewood and Starc among the elite bowling pairs globally and highlights Australia’s continued excellence in producing world-class fast bowlers.
