Starc creates history, becomes the most successful left-arm bowler in Tests with 434 wickets

Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc created history on Thursday by becoming the most successful left-arm bowler in Test cricket, surpassing Sri Lankan spin great Rangana Herath's tally of 433 wickets. Starc achieved the milestone during the opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin when he dismissed opener Shadman Islam. The wicket took the Australian left-arm pacer's Test tally to 434, putting him alone at the top among all left-arm bowlers in the format. The landmark came on a difficult day for Australia, who were bowled out for 198 before Bangladesh reached 96 for one at stumps.

Herath record broken

Before the Darwin Test, Starc and Herath were level on 433 Test wickets. Starc needed just one wicket to move ahead of the former Sri Lankan spinner and establish a new benchmark for left-arm bowlers. Herath, one of Test cricket's finest left-arm spinners, claimed his 433 wickets in 93 matches during a career spanning 1999 to 2018.

Starc entered the Bangladesh series with 433 wickets from 105 Tests and reached the record in his 106th appearance. The Australian had already made history during the 2025-26 Ashes when he surpassed Pakistan legend Wasim Akram's 414 Test wickets to become the highest wicket-taking left-arm fast bowler in the format.

Shadman becomes record wicket

Starc's historic 434th wicket came when he removed Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam after Australia had been dismissed cheaply in their first innings. It proved to be Australia's only breakthrough before stumps, with Bangladesh reaching 96 for one and trailing the hosts by 102 runs. Tanzid Hasan and Mominul Haque put together an unbeaten 60-run partnership to give the visitors control of the opening day. While Bangladesh dominated proceedings, Starc's wicket ensured the day also carried major personal significance for the Australian veteran.

Kapil Dev next

The milestone also moved Starc level with Indian great Kapil Dev, who finished his Test career with 434 wickets. Starc had begun the series just one wicket behind Kapil and now has an opportunity to move past the former India captain and climb further up the list of Test cricket's leading wicket-takers. South African pace legend Dale Steyn, who retired with 439 Test wickets, is also within Starc's reach during the two-match Bangladesh series. Starc's achievement adds another landmark to a career in which he has established himself as one of Australia's most successful fast bowlers.

Bangladesh dominate

The record, however, came amid a disappointing batting performance from Australia.

Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud produced career-best figures of six for 55 as Australia were dismissed for 198, their lowest Test total against Bangladesh. Steve Smith provided the main resistance with 71, while Australia's other batters struggled in testing conditions.

Bangladesh then strengthened their position with the bat, losing only Shadman to Starc before the close.

For Starc, however, that solitary breakthrough was enough to secure a place in the record books as Test cricket's highest wicket-taking left-arm bowler.