Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc carved out a historic achievement in Test cricket on the opening day of the Test series against Bangladesh. After Australia suffered a batting collapse in their first innings and were bundled out for just 198 runs, Starc took charge with the new ball to deliver Bangladesh an early blow. By taking the opening wicket of the innings, Starc officially became the highest wicket-taking left-handed bowler in the history of Test cricket. Coincidentally, this monumental achievement arrived on 13 August, celebrated globally as International Left Handers Day.
Australia Collapses for 198 in First Innings
Earlier in the match, Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the decision backfired as the batting line-up failed to build sustained partnerships. Shortly after the tea break, the entire team was bowled out for a meager total of 198 runs. Steve Smith provided the sole resistance in the innings, recording a gritty half-century. With no other batter able to support Smith at the crease, Australia was bowled out for a sub-200 total against Bangladesh for the very first time in Test cricket history.
Starc Strikes Early to Secure Landmark 434th Wicket
Beginning their response, Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam and Tanzid Hasan Tamim attempted to establish a steady start. The pair defended cautiously until the ninth over of the innings, when Mitchell Starc produced a breakthrough. On the second delivery of that over, Starc induced an edge from Shadman Islam, which was cleanly taken by fielder Nathan Lyon. Shadman Islam was dismissed for 20 runs off 30 balls, a knock that included two boundaries. That dismissal marked Mitchell Starc's 434th wicket in Test match cricket.
Surpassing Rangana Herath and Equaling Kapil Dev
With his 434th Test scalp, Starc broke the long-standing record held by Sri Lankan spin legend Rangana Herath to take the top spot among all left-handed bowlers in Test history. Prior to this, Pakistani legend Wasim Akram held the record among left-arm fast bowlers with 414 wickets. Achieving this milestone on International Left Handers Day added further significance to Starc's accomplishment. Furthermore, reaching 434 wickets brought Starc level with Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev in the all-time Test wicket-takers list. Securing just one more wicket will propel the Australian bowler past Kapil Dev's career milestone.
