Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc stands on the precipice of international cricket history as Australia prepares to host Bangladesh in a two match Test series beginning August 13, 2026. The opening encounter at the Marrara Cricket Ground in Darwin presents the veteran left arm fast bowler with a rare opportunity to join legendary icons Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath in an elite bowling bracket.
Key Factors
Throughout his career spanning from 2010 to 2026, Starc has accumulated 395 international wickets across 195 innings in 138 matches played in Australia. His home record features 13 five wicket hauls and two ten wicket match displays, with best innings figures of 7 for 58 and best match figures of 10 for 100. On the global stage, Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan holds the absolute record for the most international wickets on home soil, having claimed 647 wickets in 183 home matches between 1992 and 2011. England pacers James Anderson with 579 wickets and Stuart Broad with 509 wickets occupy second and third positions globally, followed by Indian spin greats Anil Kumble with 476 wickets and Ravichandran Ashwin with 475 wickets. The 36 year old New South Wales pacer currently possesses 433 wickets from 105 Test appearances. He needs just one wicket to equal, and two to surpass, Indian legend Kapil Dev, who finished his career with 434 Test wickets in 131 matches between 1978 and 1994. The pacer finished as the leading wicket taker during the 2025 to 2026 Ashes series, but his international appearances in the 2026 calendar year have been sparse, featuring only the fifth and final Ashes Test where he recorded figures of 2 for 37 in the first innings and 3 for 51 in the second. Having formally retired from short format T20 internationals, Starc was not included in Australia’s 2026 T20 World Cup squad. His domestic franchise commitments were also limited, appearing in only six matches for Delhi Capitals during IPL 2026 following a physical setback and delayed arrival.
Reflecting on the prospect of matching the Indian icon, Starc remarked that “It’s cool & humbling. Starc’s opportunity against Bangladesh arrives during a selective international schedule.
