Mitchell Starc surpasses Kapil Dev on all-time Test wickets list
Australian left-arm pace bowler Mitchell Starc made history on August 14, 2026, surpassing Indian cricket icon Kapil Dev on the all-time Test wicket-takers list. Starc achieved this significant milestone on the second day of Australia’s first Test against Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium in Darwin.
The crucial wicket came when Starc dismissed Bangladesh batsman Litton Das for a duck, elevating his career Test wicket tally to 435. This performance places him in 11th position globally, marking a remarkable chapter in his distinguished career.
Starc’s Ascent: Breaking Dev’s Long-Standing Mark
The record-breaking moment in Darwin was the culmination of two days of exceptional bowling from Mitchell Starc. He had already drawn level with Kapil Dev’s 434 wickets on the opening day of the Test.
That initial wicket saw him remove Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam, a crucial dismissal that also made Starc the most successful left-arm bowler in Test history, eclipsing Sri Lankan spin legend Rangana Herath’s 433 scalps.
A quicker path to 434 wickets
What makes Starc’s achievement particularly notable is the efficiency with which he reached this benchmark. He secured his 435 Test wickets in just 106 matches.
This is a considerably faster rate than Kapil Dev, who required 131 Test matches to amass his 434 wickets during a career that spanned from 1978 to 1994.
It highlights Starc’s consistent impact and longevity in the fast-paced world of modern Test cricket, where workloads are carefully managed.
Chasing the Top 10: Dale Steyn in Sight
With 435 wickets now to his name, Mitchell Starc stands on the cusp of breaking into the exclusive top 10 of all-time Test wicket-takers. He currently occupies the 11th spot.
South African fast bowling great Dale Steyn holds the 10th position, having claimed 439 wickets from 93 Tests. Starc needs just five more wickets to surpass Steyn and enter that elite group.
Australia’s elite pace attack
Among Australian bowlers, Starc finds himself in illustrious company. He trails only a few national legends in the Test wicket charts.
The late Shane Warne leads with an astonishing 708 wickets, while off-spinner Nathan Lyon has 568 wickets. Legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath is also ahead with 563 wickets.
Starc’s pursuit of these records underscores his status as one of Australia’s premier pace bowlers of the modern era, continually adding to his impressive career statistics.
Kapil Dev’s Enduring Legacy in Cricket
Kapil Dev’s record of 434 Test wickets stood as a monumental achievement for many years, a testament to his skill and endurance. The former Indian captain was a pioneering all-rounder, renowned for both his devastating swing bowling and aggressive batting.
He was the first player in Test cricket history to reach the 400-wicket milestone. At the time of his retirement, he held the world record for the most Test wickets, a record later broken by Courtney Walsh in 2000.
Beyond his bowling prowess, Kapil Dev remains the only cricketer to have scored over 5,000 runs while also taking more than 400 wickets in Test cricket. This dual threat firmly established him as one of the greatest all-rounders the game has ever seen.
His impact extends beyond statistics, inspiring generations of Indian cricketers and solidifying India’s place on the global cricketing stage.
Bangladesh’s Strong Showing: Mahmud’s Six-Wicket Haul
While Mitchell Starc dominated headlines with his record-breaking feat, Bangladesh also saw a standout individual performance in the first innings. Pace bowler Hasan Mahmud delivered a sensational spell against the Australian side.
The 26-year-old seamer ripped through Australia’s batting lineup, claiming an impressive 6 for 55. This performance was pivotal in restricting Australia to a first innings total of just 198 runs, their lowest-ever Test total against Bangladesh.
County stint pays dividends
Hasan Mahmud credited part of his success to a recent county stint with Kent in England. He noted that the conditions he experienced there were surprisingly similar to those in Darwin, aiding his adaptation.
“I was in Kent in Blackpool, and I got a 6-for there as well,” Mahmud told ABC Sport. “I’ve really enjoyed it in Kent because the conditions look similar in Australia and England.
So I find it pretty, pretty good for the bowlers, obviously, and you know, when you get the new ball on a fresh wicket, and you get more bends, you get bounce, swing, and that’s how your confidence grows. So yeah, that’s helped me a lot.”
He added that every five-wicket haul is important, expressing his satisfaction at achieving such a feat overseas. Mahmud also highlighted his comfort with Australian conditions compared to the heat of India and Pakistan, where he has also taken five-wicket hauls, underscoring his versatility across different pitches.
What’s Next for Starc: Continuing His Record Chase
Mitchell Starc, at 36 years old, continues to defy expectations, proving his effectiveness with the red ball. His relentless pursuit of wickets suggests he has plenty more to offer in Test cricket.
Reaching the top 10 is the immediate goal, with Dale Steyn’s 439 wickets now firmly in his sights. Given his current form and fitness, it seems highly probable he’ll achieve this in the ongoing series or in the near future.
Beyond Steyn, Starc would then look to chase down the totals of other legendary fast bowlers, further cementing his place in the annals of the game. His career is a testament to consistent performance and adapting to the demands of international cricket.
For Starc, individual milestones, while celebrated, aren’t the primary focus. He reflected on nearing such records, stating, “It means I’ve played a bit. It is cool and very humbling to be spoken about it with those guys. But that stuff doesn’t mean a whole lot while you’re still playing. You don’t get too far ahead.”
This understated perspective reflects the team-first mentality often seen in successful Australian sides. Yet, for fans and statisticians alike, buyer demand strengthens for compelling cricketing narratives, and Mitchell Starc’s climb up the all-time list remains a central one.
His ability to generate raw pace and late swing continues to trouble batsmen worldwide, making him a formidable opponent on any surface. As Australia’s Test campaign continues, all eyes will be on Starc’s pursuit of further records and his ongoing contribution to the team’s success.
The Test series against Bangladesh has certainly started with a bang, delivering both individual milestones and gripping cricketing action. This rivalry promises more exciting moments as the series progresses, with bowlers like Starc and Mahmud leading the charge for their respective nations.