Mitchell Starc Breaks Rangana Herath’s Record, Becomes Most Successful Left-Arm Bowler in Test Cricket

Mitchell Starc created history during the Bangladesh vs Australia Test in Darwin, becoming the highest wicket-taking left-arm bowler in Test cricket. The Australian fast bowler reached the landmark of 434 Test wickets after dismissing Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam on Day 2 at Marrara Cricket Ground.

Starc Breaks Rangana Herath’s Record

Starc entered the match with 433 Test wickets, level with Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath. His dismissal of Shadman Islam took his tally to 434, allowing him to surpass Herath and claim the record for the most Test wickets by a left-arm bowler.

The milestone further strengthens Starc’s place among the greatest fast bowlers of his generation.

Starc Equals Kapil Dev’s 434-Test Wicket Tally

With 434 wickets, Starc has also equalled the Test wicket tally of former India captain Kapil Dev. However, Starc reached the mark considerably faster.

Kapil Dev took 434 wickets in 131 Tests, while Starc achieved the same tally in just 106 Tests.

Starc now shares 11th place with Kapil Dev on the all-time Test wicket-takers list, with South African legend Dale Steyn ahead of him on 439 wickets.

Starc Goes Past Wasim Akram

Starc has also become the leading wicket-taker among left-arm bowlers after surpassing Pakistan great Wasim Akram, who finished his Test career with 414 wickets.

Akram was previously the leading left-arm pace bowler in Test history, but Starc has now moved ahead with 434 wickets.

Bangladesh vs Australia: Hasan Mahmud Stars With Six Wickets

The historic Starc milestone came on a difficult day for Australia with the bat. The visitors were dismissed for just 198 runs in their first innings, their lowest Test total against Bangladesh.

Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud was the standout performer with the ball, taking six wickets for 55 runs.

Australia's batting effort largely revolved around Steve Smith, who scored 71 runs. However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled to make a major contribution.

Bangladesh Reach 130 Runs in First Innings

In reply, Bangladesh reached 130 runs in their first innings, keeping the contest closely fought.

Starc’s record-breaking wicket added another major milestone to an already eventful Test, while Australia will look to fight back after being restricted to 198.

Mitchell Starc’s Historic Test Milestone: Key Numbers

434: Starc's Test wickets after dismissing Shadman Islam

433: Previous left-arm Test bowling record held by Rangana Herath

434: Kapil Dev's Test wicket tally

414: Wasim Akram's Test wickets

439: Dale Steyn's Test wickets

106: Tests taken by Starc to reach 434 wickets