DARWIN: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc reached another landmark in his career Thursday, becoming the most successful left-arm bowler in Test history after dismissing Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam in the first Test in Darwin.
Starc entered the match level with former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath on 433 Test wickets. He moved ahead when Shadman was caught by Nathan Lyon in the ninth over of Bangladesh’s first innings, taking his tally to 434 wickets in 106 Tests.
The achievement moved Starc into a tie for 11th place on the all-time Test wicket-takers’ list with India great Kapil Dev, who also finished with 434 wickets. Starc is now six wickets short of South African fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn, who sits 10th with 439 wickets.
Starc, 36, made his international debut in 2010 and has established himself as one of the leading fast bowlers of his generation. He has also won all three major ICC men’s titles the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup and World Test Championship.
In ODI cricket, Starc has taken 247 wickets in 130 matches and was part of Australia’s World Cup-winning teams in 2015 and 2023.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s bowlers dominated Australia’s first innings, dismissing the hosts for 198, their lowest Test total against Bangladesh.
Hasan Mahmud claimed a historic five-wicket haul, recording the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi against Australia and surpassing Mashrafe Mortaza’s previous mark of 5-62.
Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed also reached a major milestone, becoming the sixth Bangladeshi bowler to take 300 international wickets. He finished with 2-55.
For Australia, Steve Smith top-scored with 71 off 109 deliveries, including seven fours and a six, but Bangladesh maintained control as the Australian innings collapsed after the opening partnership.
