Mitchell Starc Closes In on Test Cricket Greatness Before Bangladesh Series
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc is on the verge of joining an elite group of Test cricket legends as he prepares for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The experienced left-arm pacer enters the series with 433 Test wickets, needing just one more dismissal to equal Indian legend Kapil Dev's 434 wickets and seven wickets to surpass Dale Steyn's 439, moving into the top five highest wicket-taking fast bowlers in Test history.
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Despite the approaching milestones, Starc insists personal records remain secondary to Australia's pursuit of another ICC World Test Championship title.
Historic Records Within Reach
Starc's remarkable consistency over the past few years has placed him among the greatest fast bowlers the game has produced.
If he overtakes Dale Steyn during the Bangladesh series, only James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Glenn McGrath and Courtney Walsh will have taken more Test wickets among pace bowlers. Reaching seven wickets would also elevate Starc into the top ten wicket-takers in Test cricket history, regardless of bowling style.
Current Test wicket standings:
| Player | Wickets |
|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 800 |
| Shane Warne | 708 |
| James Anderson | 704 |
| Anil Kumble | 619 |
| Stuart Broad | 604 |
| Nathan Lyon | 567 |
| Glenn McGrath | 563 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 537 |
| Courtney Walsh | 519 |
| Dale Steyn | 439 |
| Kapil Dev | 434 |
| Mitchell Starc | 433 |
Starc, however, remains grounded.
"It means I've played a bit," Starc joked. "It's cool and very humbling to be mentioned alongside those guys, but those records don't mean a whole lot while you're still playing."
A Clearer Mindset Behind Career-Best Form
At 36 years old, Starc is arguably producing the finest cricket of his career.
After claiming 55 Test wickets at an average of just 17.32 last year, he enters the Bangladesh series as one of the favourites for the 2026 Allan Border Medal. He also leads the current World Test Championship cycle with 46 wickets from only eight Test matches.
According to Starc, the biggest improvement hasn't been technical—it has been mental.
Rather than dwelling on poor deliveries or disappointing spells, he has learned to quickly move forward.
Starc credits Australia's team environment, shaped by captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald, for encouraging players to focus only on the next ball instead of past mistakes.
That mindset has allowed him to bowl with greater freedom while maintaining consistency throughout long Test series.
Experience and New Skills Extend His Career
While experience has naturally improved Starc's decision-making, he has also continued to evolve technically.
The addition of the wobble seam delivery, improved control, and greater tactical awareness have made him even more dangerous with the Kookaburra ball.
Rather than relying solely on raw pace, Starc now combines swing, seam movement and accuracy to trouble batters in all conditions.
His longevity is further highlighted by the fact that only Glenn McGrath has taken more Test wickets as an Australian fast bowler after turning 35.
Outstanding Recent Numbers
Starc's recent performances underline why he remains one of the world's premier fast bowlers:
- 55 Test wickets during the previous calendar year.
- 31 wickets in Australia's dominant Ashes victory over England.
- 46 wickets in eight Tests during the current World Test Championship cycle.
- 164 wickets from 41 Tests since the start of 2022.
- Career-best yearly bowling average of 17.32.
His performances have been instrumental in keeping Australia at the top of the World Test Championship standings.
Australia Focused on World Test Championship Success
While Starc approaches significant personal milestones, Australia's attention remains fixed on defending their position in the World Test Championship.
Following the Bangladesh series, Australia face a demanding schedule that includes:
- Three away Tests against South Africa.
- Four home Tests against New Zealand.
- A five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India.
Strong performances against Bangladesh would strengthen Australia's bid to reach another World Test Championship Final.
Michael Neser Ruled Out
Australia have received one injury setback before the series, with reserve fast bowler Michael Neser suffering a right calf strain.
Neser had been training with the national squad as standby pace support but will now spend several weeks recovering, leaving Australia's primary fast-bowling trio unchanged.
Australia Squad for Bangladesh Tests
Pat Cummins (Captain), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald and Beau Webster.
Series Schedule
- 1st Test: August 13–17, Darwin
- 2nd Test: August 22–26, Mackay
Looking Ahead
Mitchell Starc stands just a handful of wickets away from joining some of cricket's greatest fast bowlers, but the veteran remains focused on team success rather than individual accolades. With career-best form, renewed confidence and a refined mindset, Starc heads into the Bangladesh series looking to help Australia strengthen their World Test Championship campaign while quietly adding another remarkable chapter to an already legendary Test career.