Mitchell Starc Eyes Milestones in Upcoming Test Series Against Bangladesh
Starc's Pursuit of Historic Wicket Milestones
Mitchell Starc, the leading pace bowler for Australia, is on the verge of achieving two notable milestones in Test cricket as the team prepares to face Bangladesh in a two-match series starting August 13 in Darwin. Currently, Starc has 433 Test wickets, just one short of Kapil Dev's record of 434.
If Starc secures two wickets in the opening match at Marrara Stadium, he will surpass the former Indian captain and enter the top 10 all-time Test wicket-takers, as reported by cricket.com.au.
Starc's Recent Performance
The Australian fast bowler has the opportunity to ascend the rankings among pace bowlers as well. Achieving seven wickets in the series would elevate his total to 440, surpassing South African great Dale Steyn's tally of 439, placing him fifth among the highest wicket-taking fast bowlers in Test history. Only James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Glenn McGrath, and Courtney Walsh would remain ahead of him.
Starc's recent form has been exceptional, with 55 Test wickets at an impressive average of 17.32 over the past year. His contributions were pivotal in Australia's 4-1 Ashes series victory, positioning him as a strong contender for the 2026 Allan Border Medal.
Factors Behind Starc's Success
Starc attributes his recent consistency to enhanced mental clarity and the support of a stable pace attack, including captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. He has also refined his technique, utilizing the wobble seam with the Kookaburra ball to maintain his effectiveness across various conditions.
His longevity in the sport is noteworthy; since turning 35, only Glenn McGrath has taken more Test wickets among Australian fast bowlers, highlighting Starc's lasting influence.
Details of the Australia vs Bangladesh Series
Australia has welcomed back Cummins, Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon for the series against Bangladesh, aiming to kick off their home Test season strongly. The first Test is set to take place in Darwin from August 13 to 17, followed by the second Test 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
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.