Mitchell Starc surpasses Kapil Dev on all-time Test wickets list

Mitchell Starc claimed his place in Test cricket history on August 14, 2026, the second day of the first Test between Australia and Bangladesh at Marrara Stadium in Darwin. The left-arm pacer sent back Litton Das without scoring to reach 435 Test wickets, moving past Kapil Dev and into 11th position on the all-time list for most scalps in the format.

The milestone came a day after Starc had drawn level with the Indian legend. On the opening day of the same match, he had removed opener Shadman Islam

to equal Kapil Dev's career tally of 434 wickets. Starc reached that figure in 106 Test matches, a considerably quicker rate than Kapil Dev, who needed 131 matches across a career spanning 1978 to 1994.

Notably, the Aussies were bowled out for 198 in their first innings, and Starc's record-breaking moment arrived after the Bangla Tigers came to respond with the bat, underlining Australia's dominance with the ball in the series opener.

How far is Starc from breaking into the top 10?

With 435 wickets to his name, Starc sits one place outside the top 10 on the all-time Test wicket-takers list. Dale Steyn occupies 10th position with 439 wickets, meaning Starc requires five more wickets to move past the South African and into the top ten.

Among Australian bowlers, Starc trails both Nathan Lyon and Glenn McGrath. McGrath is the leading Australian pace bowler on the list with 563 wickets, while Shane Warne holds the record for the most wickets by any Australian with 708. Nathan Lyon's current tally is listed as 568 wickets.

How did Hasan Mahmud perform in Australia's first innings?

While Starc made headlines with the ball, Bangladesh's Hasan Mahmud delivered a standout performance in Australia's first innings reply. The 26-year-old seamer claimed 6 for 55, removing Steve Smith, who contributed 71 runs, and Travis Head among his six victims.

Mahmud attributed part of his success to a county stint with Kent, where he also took a six-wicket haul and grew comfortable in conditions similar to those in Darwin.

"Yeah, I was in Kent in Blackpool, and I got a 6-for there as well. And I've really enjoyed it in Kent because the conditions look similar in Australia and England. So I find it pretty, pretty good for the bowlers, obviously, and you know, when you get the new ball on a fresh wicket, and you get more bends, you get bounce, swing, and that's how your confidence grows. So yeah, that's helped me a lot," Mahmud told ABC Sport.

"I think every five-for is important to me, and I'm very happy to get a five-for overseas. So, I really enjoy these conditions in Australia, you know, India and Pakistan [in these countries too he has taken a five-for] are very hot, but yeah, it has been a very good journey for me," Mahmud added.