Starc sets new benchmark for active quicks after Mackay masterclass

Mitchell Starc's sensational 10-wicket haul against Bangladesh has added another landmark to an already remarkable Test career, with the Australia quick now holding the most Player of the Series awards among active pace bowlers.

Starc has now won the Player of the Series award four times in Test cricket, moving clear of Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, Kagiso Rabada, Kemar Roach and Matt Henry, who each have three to their name. His four series honours have come across three different countries — two in Australia, and one each in England and the West Indies.

Virtually unplayable in the second Test

The latest recognition follows a dominant display in the second Test at Mackay, where Starc claimed 10-51 to power Australia to an innings-and-51-run victory over Bangladesh. The result levelled the two-match series 1-1 after Australia suffered a surprise defeat in Darwin.

Starc was virtually unplayable on the opening day, taking 6-12 as Bangladesh collapsed for 64. He added four more wickets in the second innings as the visitors were dismissed for 95, completing his fourth 10-wicket match haul in Tests.

The performance also saw the 37-year-old move past South African pace great Dale Steyn into 10th place on the all-time Test wicket-takers' list with 445 wickets.

How the active quicks compare

Among the other leading active fast bowlers, Bumrah's three Player of the Series awards have come in England, South Africa and Australia. Cummins has collected all three of his in Australia, while Rabada's three have arrived in South Africa, England and Bangladesh. Roach has won three — two in the West Indies and one in Sri Lanka — and New Zealand's Matt Henry has also claimed three, two at home and one in Zimbabwe.

Demanding schedule ahead

Starc's latest achievement further underlines his longevity and impact as Australia begin a demanding 12-month schedule featuring 20 Tests, including tours of South Africa, India and England.