Mitchell Starc completes 700 international wickets on 35th birthday
What's the story
Australian left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc achieved a significant milestone on his 35th birthday.
He has now become the fourth Australian to take 700 international wickets across formats.
The milestone was achieved during the 2nd innings of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium.
Notably, Starc now joins Shane Warne (1,001 wickets), Glenn McGrath (949) and Brett Lee (718) in this elite club.
Here's more.
Record-breaking wicket
Starc surpasses Steyn's record with 700th wicket
Starc's 700th international wicket came when he dismissed Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne.
The achievement put him ahead of South African legend Dale Steyn, with whom he was tied at 699 wickets.
The milestone was achieved on the second ball of the fifth over, a short delivery outside off that lured Karunaratne into a mistake, resulting in an edge to substitute Nathan McSweeney at slips.
Overall stats
A look at Starc's stats in international cricket
As mentioned the pacer now owns 700 international wickets across formats. As per ESPNcricinfo, he boasts an average of 25.78 across 287 matches.
He also owns an economy rate of 4.11 including 24 five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket hauls.
Meanwhile, his best bowling innings stands at 6/28, while his best bowling match figures read 11/94.
Notably, he has bowled 4388.3 overs in total.
Information
Breaking down Starc's 700 wickets
Starc owns a total of 244 wickets in 127 ODIs at 23.40. In 95 Tests, he owns 377 scalps at 27.74. In 65 T20Is, he has 79 wickets at 23.81.
Birthday performance
Starc's batting performance as Australia score 654/6d
In addition to his bowling milestone, Starc showcased his batting skills by smashing two fours and a six, remaining unbeaten on 19 as Australia declared at 654/6.
Usman Khawaja notched up a double century, while Steve Smith and Josh Inglis also registered impressive hundreds.
The combined effort resulted in jubilant celebrations in the Australian camp, making it a memorable birthday for Starc.
Match summary
Sri Lanka suffer against Australia on Day 2
Sri Lanka are 44/3 at stumps on Day 2 of the first Test against Australia.
The Aussies posted a mammoth score of 645/6d after resuming the day on 330/2.
Notably, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith ended with a 266-run partnership. It's now the 2nd-highest stand in Sri Lanka-Australia Tests (any wicket).
Sri Lanka started poorly with Oshada Fernando (7), Dimuth Karunaratne (7) and Angelo Mathews (7) all being dismissed on the cheap.
Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis occupy the crease.