Australia’s left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc scripted history at Marrara Cricket Stadium, Darwin, on Day 1 of the first Test of the series against Bangladesh. Starc became the leading wicket-taker in Test cricket history among left-arm bowlers. In the Ashes 2025-26, he had surpassed Pakistan’s Wasim Akram. With the wicket of Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam, he surpassed former Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Rangana Herath as well.
Starc now has 434 wickets from 106 Tests, averaging 26.51, including 18 five-wicket hauls. Herath has been dethroned. The former Sri Lanka captain has 433 wickets from 93 Tests, featuring 34 fifers. He is followed by Akram with 414 wickets from 104 Tests.
Among the current players, India's Ravindra Jadeja is the closest with 348 Test wickets. In the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, Jadeja will have a chance to surpass Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas (355 wickets). Going further in the current World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle, he can also go past New Zealand's Daniel Vettori (362 wickets).
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Starc broke the record in the ninth over of Bangladesh's innings. He forced a leading edge of opener Shadman's bat that went towards gully and Nathan Lyon completed the catch. He departed for 20 off 30 deliveries.
Bangladesh dominate Day 1’s play
But, Australia couldn't capitalise on the early breakthrough. Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mominul Haque batted through the session. Bangladesh were 96/1 after 24 overs, trailing by 102 runs at the end of day's play. Australia missed a chance to dismiss Tanzid early. Josh Hazlewood created a chance but Lyon couldn’t just the ball properly, giving the visiting opener a reprieve. Starc bowled a total of seven overs including a maiden, conceded 28 runs and took the only wicket on Day 1 by an Australian bowler.
Earlier, skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first. Australia were bowled out for 198 as Hasan Mahmud registered a record-breaking six-wicket haul. After an early dropped catch, Steve Smith scored 71 runs. Barring him, no other Australian batter reached 30s. This was Australia’s lowest Test score against Bangladesh in Test cricket.
On Day 2, Australia will look to bowl out Bangladesh early to stage a comeback. On the other hand, the visitors would look to take a sizeable lead.