Mitchell Starc Nears Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn Test Wicket Records Ahead of Bangladesh Series

Australia’s premier left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc is closing in on another historic achievement in Test Cricket, but the veteran believes individual milestones matter far less than contributing to his team’s success.

Starc has claimed 433 wickets in 105 Test matches, leaving him just one wicket behind Indian legend Kapil Dev’s tally of 434. During Australia’s upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh, beginning on August 13, the 35-year-old also has the opportunity to surpass South African great Dale Steyn, who finished his Test career with 439 wickets.

Starc Plays Down Historic Milestone

Despite standing on the verge of joining an elite group of Test bowlers, Starc said he is not thinking about records while he is still actively playing.

“It means I’ve played a bit,” Starc told the Australian Associated Press.

“It is cool and very humbling to be spoken about with those guys. But that stuff doesn’t mean a whole lot while you’re still playing. You don’t get too far ahead,” he added.

Experience Has Helped Him Evolve

Starc credited experience and constant learning for helping him remain one of world cricket’s leading fast bowlers after more than 16 years in international cricket.

The Australian quick explained that he has added new skills, including the wobble seam, while improving his consistency over the years.

“When you’re 36 and you’ve been around for 16 years, you’d like to think you’ve improved or got better at something. You’re also around that long because you’re able to develop and learn and improve. I have a pretty clear mindset on it all,” Starc said.

Australia’s Team Culture Keeps Him Grounded

Starc also revealed that Australia’s dressing-room environment under captain Pat Cummins and head coach Andrew McDonald has helped players move on quickly from both success and disappointment.

“You’re never as good or bad as you think or other people think you are. I still moan and whinge about anything that goes wrong or feels wrong,” Starc admitted.

He added that the team’s philosophy is to forget both good and bad moments quickly and focus only on what can be controlled in the present.

With Australia set to face Bangladesh next week, Starc will have the chance to move past Kapil Dev and potentially overtake Dale Steyn, adding another remarkable chapter to one of the finest fast-bowling careers in modern Test cricket.