Mitchell Starc on cusp of surpassing Kapil Dev, Dale Steyn in Test wickets
Darwin, August 6
Australia pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is set to chase two significant milestones in Test cricket when the hosts begin their two-match series against Bangladesh in Darwin on August 13, with the veteran left-armer closing in on the wicket tallies of Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn.
Starc enters the series with 433 Test wickets, just one shy of Kapil Dev's haul of 434. Two wickets in the series opener at Marrara Stadium would see the 36-year-old move past the former India captain and break into the top 10 on the all-time list of Test wicket-takers, according to cricket.com.au.
The Australian quick could also climb the rankings among pace bowlers. Seven wickets across the two Tests would take him to 440 career wickets, moving him beyond South African legend Dale Steyn's 439 and into fifth place among the highest wicket-taking fast bowlers in Test history. Only James Anderson (704), Stuart Broad (604), Glenn McGrath (563) and Courtney Walsh (519) would remain ahead of him.
The milestones come at a time when Starc continues to produce some of the best cricket of his career. The left-armer claimed 55 Test wickets at an average of 17.32 over the past year, playing a key role in Australia's 4-1 Ashes series triumph and emerging as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Allan Border Medal.
Starc has credited his consistency in recent years to improved mental clarity and the stability of Australia's pace attack alongside captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
The experienced seamer has also evolved technically, making greater use of the wobble seam with the Kookaburra ball to remain a potent threat in all conditions.
Longevity has become another hallmark of Starc's career. Since turning 35, only Australian great Glenn McGrath has taken more Test wickets among the country's fast bowlers, underlining the left-armer's enduring impact.
Australia have recalled Cummins, Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon for the Bangladesh series as they look to begin their home Test season on a strong note.
The first Test will be played in Darwin from August 13 to 17, while the second Test is scheduled in Mackay from August 22 to 26.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
Bangladesh squad (first Test): Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (vc), Soumya Sarkar, Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mominul Haque Showrab, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Amite Hasan, Jaker Ali Anik, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Musfik Hasan.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian fan, I feel a bit conflicted seeing Kapil Dev's record about to be broken. But honestly, Starc has been phenomenal, especially in the Ashes. His wobble seam has been devastating. Happy to see him achieve these milestones, cricket wins!
Listen, Starc is world-class, but that Australia pace attack is basically a cheat code. Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc together – any batsman would have nightmares. The fact that he's still taking wickets at 36 shows how far fitness levels have come. Great for the game!
I remember Kapil Dev's 432nd wicket - the feeling of watching an Indian legend rule world cricket. Starc is brilliant, no doubt, but those legends faced tougher batting conditions and played fewer Tests. Grudging respect, but the heart remains with Kapil paaji! 🇮🇳
As a neutral fan, I've watched Starc's evolution from a raw pace merchant to a thinking bowler. That 2015 World Cup spell still gives me chills. Mark my words, he'll finish with at least 500+ wickets. Phenomenal athlete!
The real story here is Bangladesh playing in Australia. They're going to get skittled for under 150 both innings. Starc will eat their top order for breakfast! But happy for him, these milestones are deserved. The wobble seam is the new banana swing.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.