1. Starc on Verge of Surpassing Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn in Test Wickets
Mitchell Starc is on the brink of a monumental individual milestone. The Australian paceman needs just two wickets to surpass Kapil Dev (434) and seven to eclipse Dale Steyn (439) on the all-time Test wicket-takers list, as Australia gear up for a two-match WTC series against Bangladesh starting August 13 in Darwin .
2. 'It Means I've Played a Bit' – Starc's Humble Take on Record Chase
Despite being on the cusp of breaking into the top 10 wicket-takers in Test history, Mitchell Starc remained remarkably grounded. "It means I've played a bit," Starc said. "It is cool and very humbling to be spoken about with those guys" . He added that such individual achievements "don't mean a whole lot while you're still playing" .
3. 433 Wickets and Counting: Starc's Journey to the Top
Mitchell Starc currently sits on 433 Test wickets from 105 matches. With just two more wickets, he will overtake Kapil Dev, and with seven, he will move past Dale Steyn's tally of 439. This would place him among the top 10 wicket-takers in men's Test cricket history .
4. Starc Prioritises WTC Glory Over Personal Milestones Ahead of Bangladesh Series
While the spotlight is on his record chase, Starc has made it clear that team success remains his primary motivation. "That stuff doesn't mean a whole lot while you're still playing. You don't get too far ahead," he said. Australia are currently leading the WTC standings and are focused on securing another final berth .
5. Most Test Wickets: Where Starc Stands Among the Greats
Currently, the top Test wicket-takers list is led by Muttiah Muralidaran (800), followed by Shane Warne (708), James Anderson (704), Anil Kumble (619), Stuart Broad (604), Nathan Lyon (567), Glenn McGrath (563), Ravichandran Ashwin (537), Courtney Walsh (519), Dale Steyn (439), and Kapil Dev (434). Starc is just one wicket away from joining this elite group .
6. Among Fast Bowlers, Starc is Closing in on the Top Five
When it comes specifically to fast bowlers, Starc is on the verge of entering the top five. He currently sits seventh among quicks, but with seven wickets in the Bangladesh series, he will surpass Dale Steyn and Kapil Dev to occupy the fifth spot behind Courtney Walsh (519), Glenn McGrath (563), Stuart Broad (604), and James Anderson (704) .
7. 36 and Still Going Strong: Starc's Remarkable Longevity
At 36, Mitchell Starc shows no signs of slowing down. He attributed his longevity and continued success to constant evolution. "When you're 36 and you've been around for 16 years, you'd like to think you've improved or got better at something," Starc said, pointing to his development of the wobble seam and increased consistency as key factors .
8. Starc is the Leading Wicket-Taker in the Current WTC Cycle
Starc's form has been exceptional in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. He is currently the leading wicket-taker with 46 scalps from eight matches, including a 31-wicket haul in the recent Ashes triumph over England . The Bangladesh series offers him another opportunity to add to his growing tally.
9. 'Clear Head' the Secret Behind Starc's Sustained Success
Mitchell Starc believes a clearer head and an ability to let things go are the secrets behind his continued success. He is entering the series with a clear mindset, stating that he has a "pretty clear mindset on it all" and is focused on executing his plans rather than getting caught up in milestones .
10. Australia's Top-of-the-Table Clash Against Bangladesh
Australia, currently leading the WTC standings, will face Bangladesh in a two-Test series. The first Test is scheduled for August 13-17 in Darwin, followed by the second Test in Mackay from August 22-26. This series marks the beginning of a demanding seven-month Test schedule for Australia .
11. Kapil Dev's Record: 434 Wickets in 131 Tests
Kapil Dev, the legendary Indian all-rounder, finished his Test career with 434 wickets in 131 matches at an average of 29.64. He is one of the greatest fast bowlers India has ever produced, and Starc is just two wickets away from surpassing his monumental tally .
12. Dale Steyn's Legacy: 439 Wickets in 93 Tests
South Africa's Dale Steyn, one of the most feared fast bowlers of his generation, took 439 wickets in just 93 Test matches at a remarkable average of 22.95. Starc, who has played 105 Tests, needs seven wickets to surpass Steyn's tally .
13. Starc Could Surpass Both Dev and Steyn in the First Test Itself
Given the pace-friendly conditions expected in Darwin, Mitchell Starc could potentially surpass both Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn in the opening Test of the series. If he manages to take seven wickets in the match, he will surpass both legends simultaneously .
14. Humbling to Be Mentioned Alongside Greats: Starc on the Record Chase
Starc expressed genuine humility at being mentioned alongside Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn. "It is cool and very humbling to be spoken about it with those guys," he said. He stressed that personal records are secondary, and his focus remains on helping Australia achieve their team goals .
15. WTC Points More Important Than Personal Glory, Says Starc
With the World Test Championship final on the horizon, Mitchell Starc emphasised that the team's pursuit of WTC points takes precedence over individual milestones. Australia are aiming to secure another title at The Oval in 2027, and Starc's focus is firmly on contributing to that campaign .