Australia's Mitchell Starc has become the world's No.1 Test bowler for the first time in his career, ending Jasprit Bumrah's long-standing reign at the top
of the ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings.
The latest rankings, released on Wednesday, August 26, have Starc at 872 rating points, with Bumrah dropping to second on 862 and New Zealand's Matt Henry third on 861.
The 36-year-old left-arm quick's rise comes after a sensational performance in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. Starc claimed 6-12 in the first innings and followed it with 4-39 in the second to finish with match figures of 10-51. His devastating spell helped Australia secure an innings-and-51-run victory and level the two-Test series 1-1.
Starc's six-wicket burst was particularly destructive, with the veteran taking five wickets in just 22 balls as Bangladesh collapsed to 64 all out. His performance earned him Player of the Series honours and provided the decisive boost that propelled him from third to the summit of the rankings.
For Bumrah, the change marks the end of a remarkable spell at No.1. The India seamer first reached the summit in February 2024 and subsequently spent much of the next two years as the leading Test bowler in the world.
His absence from India's ongoing World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka, combined with Starc's outstanding returns against Bangladesh, has now resulted in the rankings reshuffle. And now the India pacer's next opportunity to reclaim his summit spot will come earlier next year, if he plays in the Australia series.
Starc's achievement adds another milestone to an extraordinary Test career. Following his 10-wicket haul in Mackay, he moved into 10th place on the all-time Test wicket-takers' list with 445 dismissals. The Aussie has been a force for years and will be playing a crucial part for them as they look to continue their WTC 2027 final prospects.
