ICC World Cup 2019: Mitchell Starc Equals Glenn McGrath's Record Of Most Wickets In One Edition

Australia have looked like a dominant force in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019 before their snubbing in the last group match against South Africa on July 6. Pacer Mitchell Starc has played a significant role in their thorough run so far in the tournament. On Saturday, the left-arm pacer returned with two scalps to equal countrymen Glenn McGrath’s record held for 12 long years.

Starc equals McGrath’s record

Batting first, Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock gave South Africa a flying start, who otherwise have struggled for good opening partnerships. They added 79 runs in just 11.3 overs to get the proceedings going before skipper Faf du Plessis and Rassie van de Dussen played two classical knocks to post a challenging total on the board. They shared a 151-run partnership for the third wicket to take the score almost to the 300-run mark. Although Jason Behrenforff provided the breakthrough getting the better off the Proteas skipper, Mitchell Starc kept things under control with quick wickets to restrict the Proteas to 325 runs.

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In the process, Mitchell Starc claimed his 26th scalp of the World Cup to equal his countrymen Glenn McGrath’s record of 26 wickets in 2007 World Cup- the highest in one edition. The fast bowler will have the opportunity to better McGrath’s record when Australia play host England in the semifinal at Edgbaston. Notably, Starc has achieved the feat in nine matches as compared to McGrath’s 11 games. The 29-year-old Starc has claimed two fifer and four-wicket hauls each.

Speaking about the run-chase, David Warner and Alex Carey played two fine knocks, but it was not enough for them to seal a victory. The middle order failed to contribute at all as Kagiso Rabada finally got going in the tournament claiming three wickets while Andile Phehlukwayo chipped in with two. South Africa restricted Australia for 315 runs to bow out of the World Cup with a win.

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