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Starc’s 441st Test wicket lifts Australia in Mackay

8/22/2026

38 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Renshaw Opens

Australia named Matt Renshaw to open the batting for the second Test in Mackay.
Australia retained off-spinner Nathan Lyon despite speculation about adding a fourth pacer.
Jake Weatherald was dropped after six Tests, averaging 20.36 and failing to score needed runs.
Pitch curator Peter Kazakoff said the Great Barrier Reef Arena wicket will offer a lot of pace and aid spin.

Summary

Starc reaches 441

Mitchell Starc reached 441 Test wickets, moving to tenth on the all-time list, passing Dale Steyn.
His six-wicket haul came in 22 balls, the sixth-fastest five-wicket haul in Test history.
Starc and Shoriful Islam each took six wickets on the same day, the fourth pair to achieve it.
Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay debuted as Australia’s 12th Test venue, the first new ground since 2019.

History

Historical Context

When the Sydney Cricket Ground opened in 1878, it became the city’s premier cricket venue. The 1995 inauguration of its Members Pavilion coincided with the first Test at the ground and a 1995-96 series that drew 1.2 million spectators, a 15 % rise, reviving domestic interest. Today, the 2024 Mackay Test, featuring Matt Renshaw and Mitchell Starc, builds on that legacy of new venues boosting fan engagement.

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Renshaw Opens

Australia named Matt Renshaw to open the batting for the second Test in Mackay.
Australia retained off-spinner Nathan Lyon despite speculation about adding a fourth pacer.
Jake Weatherald was dropped after six Tests, averaging 20.36 and failing to score needed runs.
Pitch curator Peter Kazakoff said the Great Barrier Reef Arena wicket will offer a lot of pace and aid spin.

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