Mitchell Starc has written another historic page in his decorated career by claiming the record for the most Test cricket wickets by a left-arm bowler. The premier Australian speedster surpassed Sri Lanka’s legendary spinner Rangana Herath on Thursday, August 13, during the first Test match against Bangladesh in Darwin—a feat made even more poetic falling on International Left-Handers Day.
The timing of the feat added a touch of magic for the experienced paceman, who started the fixture tied with Herath at 433 Test scalps. Starc required only a single breakthrough to claim sole possession of the top spot on this elite leaderboard.
Mitchell Starc eclipses Rangana Herath to secure historic milestone
The historic moment arrived during the ninth over of the Bangladeshi innings. The 36-year-old fast bowler coaxed a thin edge from opening batsman Shadman Islam, which was safely held by Nathan Lyon to hand Starc his 434th career victim in the longest format. This wicket handed Australia an early advantage in the game and guaranteed Starc the top spot among all left-arm bowlers in history. The previous record-holder, Herath, had occupied the peak since bowing out of the game with 433 wickets from 93 matches.
What makes Starc’s feat truly remarkable is the stark contrast in playing styles between the two icons. While Herath carved out his legacy as a tireless left-arm orthodox spinner, Starc has built his reputation as one of the most devastating and feared left-arm fast bowlers of the modern era.
Sights set on his next landmark target
By taking his 434th Test scalp, Starc also equaled the career tally of India’s iconic all-rounder Kapil Dev in the all-time Test bowling records. While Kapil amassed his total over 131 matches in a career spanning 1978 to 1994, the Australian spearhead reached the same milestone in just 106 matches.
The left-armer is already eyeing his next big milestone. Sitting just five wickets behind Dale Steyn’s lifetime haul of 439, Starc needs only seven more breakthroughs to break into the top ten leading Test wicket-takers of all time. This looming achievement is bound to provide extra drive as he guides the Australian pace battery through the twilight years of his international career.
A legacy forged in championship glory
Ever since his international bow in October 2010, Starc has established himself as a cornerstone of Australia’s multi-format bowling unit. Beyond his impressive personal statistics, his career is highlighted by triumph in major tournaments. He played a pivotal role in Australia’s 50-over World Cup victories in 2015 and 2023, notably claiming the Player of the Tournament award in the 2015 edition. Additionally, his cabinet includes winner’s medals from both the T20 World Cup and the ICC World Test Championship.
In the ODI arena, Starc has racked up 247 dismissals across 130 appearances, maintaining a superb average of 23.58. He bid farewell to T20 international cricket last September to prioritize his red-ball ambitions and prolong his career in the longest format, though he remains keen on participating in the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Leading left-arm wicket-takers in Test history
| Rank | Player | Team | Tests | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | 106* | 434 |
| 2 | Rangana Herath | Sri Lanka | 93 | 433 |
| 3 | Wasim Akram | Pakistan | 104 | 414 |
| 4 | Daniel Vettori | New Zealand | 113 | 362 |
| 5 | Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 111 | 355 |
