Mitchell Johnson ticked off the 300-wicket milestone last week, now he wants to draw level with long-time mentor Dennis Lillee before retirement.
Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes became victims No.300 and No.301 at Edgbaston, gloving fiery bouncers to be caught behind by Peter Nevill.
Johnson currently sits fifth on the list of Australia’s leading wicket-taker.
The 33-year-old won’t be able to match Shane Warne or Glenn McGrath, but Brett Lee (310) and Lillee (355) are very much within striking distance.
“The next target for me is trying to chase down Brett Lee. That’d be really nice, he’s a hero of mine,” Johnson said.
“I once said I wanted to bowl as fast as Brett Lee when I first came in on the scene.”
After that is Lillee.
Johnson is too young to idolise Lillee for his many feats on the field.
But the two express pacemen have a special bond.
Lillee identified Johnson’s talent when he was a teenage tearaway at a training camp in Queensland.
He called then academy boss Rod Marsh to tell him of a once-in-a-generation bowler, starting the process that would result in Johnson moving to Brisbane and seeking a career in cricket.
Lillee remains a source of support and sounding board for the leader of Australia’s attack.
“It would be nice to reach DK Lillee. That’d be pretty special,” Johnson said.
“You never know, if I get that opportunity to reach him and could end it there as well. It would be a nice little finish as well.
“It’s probably something I don’t normally think about.
“It’s something that I’ll be able to cherish when I finish cricket and am sitting back with my mates enjoying a beer.”
Johnson was disappointed to have lost the third Ashes Test by eight wickets, handing England a 2-1 lead.
However, he did take a degree of delight in the momentous dismissal of Bairstow.
“It was a very special occasion,” Johnson said.
“And the way I did it. I guess that’s sort of a trademark for me now, to bowl that short ball and get it ripping off the gloves.”
Meanwhile, England paceman Stuart Broad is sitting on 299 Test wickets.
Broad suggested his sole focus was clinching a series, but conceded it would be special to celebrate a milestone at his homeground this week.
“It would be a proud moment with my parents and grandma here,” Broad said.
