A Historic Milestone in Darwin

Mitchell Starc continued to add to his remarkable Test legacy on Thursday, becoming the most successful left-arm bowler in the history of Test cricket during Australia’s opening Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. Starc reached the landmark when he dismissed Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam in the ninth over of the first innings.

The wicket took his Test tally to 434, moving him past Sri Lanka great Rangana Herath (433 wickets) and placing Starc alone at the top of the list for wickets by a left-arm bowler. This achievement also sees him match the career tally of India legend Kapil Dev, who claimed 434 wickets in 131 Tests. Notably, Starc has reached this mark in 25 fewer matches.

Eyes on the All-Time Top 10

The left-arm quick is now within touching distance of another major record. He needs only six more wickets to enter the top 10 of the all-time Test wicket-takers' list, where South Africa's Dale Steyn currently occupies the 10th spot with 439 wickets.

Bangladesh Pace Attack Dominates Day One

While Starc was making history, Bangladesh’s pace attack produced a clinical performance to put Australia under immense pressure. Hasan Mahmud claimed a career-best 6-55 as Bangladesh bowled Australia out for 198 on a green-tinged surface.

Australia initially raced to 45 without loss, but Hasan turned the tide by removing Jake Weatherald for 23 and Travis Head for 22 in quick succession. Supporting Mahmud were Taskin Ahmed, who finished with 2-55, and Ebadot Hossain, who returned figures of 2-39.

Despite a fighting 71 from Steve Smith, the disciplined Bangladesh seamers exploited the conditions perfectly, ensuring that the opening day in Darwin belonged as much to their attack as it did to Starc's record-breaking achievement.