Mitchell Starc passes Kapil Dev on Test wicket-takers list as Bangladesh take control

Mitchell Starc moved past India great Kapil Dev on the all-time Test wicket-takers list on Friday, giving Australia a rare positive moment during a difficult first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin.

Starc had matched Kapil’s tally of 434 Test wickets on Thursday after dismissing Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam. He went one step further on the second day when he removed wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das for a duck, taking his tally to 435 wickets and moving into 11th place among the highest wicket-takers in Test cricket. The milestone also strengthened Starc’s position as the second-most successful Australian pace bowler in Test history, behind Glenn McGrath, who finished with 563 wickets.

Starc is now within touching distance of the top 10. South Africa great Dale Steyn currently occupies 10th place with 439 wickets, leaving Starc just five wickets short. Starc had already created history on the opening day in Darwin by becoming the most successful left-arm bowler in Test cricket. However, his personal milestones have come amid a difficult outing for Australia, who were bowled out for 198 on Day 1 and have struggled to contain Bangladesh’s batting response.

The visitors continued their impressive performance on Friday, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim producing a historic maiden Test century before Bangladesh closed the second day firmly in control at the Marrara Cricket Ground. Bangladesh resumed their first innings after Australia’s early collapse and made full use of the favourable batting conditions. Tanzid and Mominul Haque put together a 102-run partnership for the second wicket before Mominul was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 49.

Tanzid then reached his maiden Test hundred, becoming the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia. The 25-year-old eventually made 101 off 188 balls, striking eight fours and a six, before Nathan Lyon ended his innings. Bangladesh continued to build their advantage after Tanzid’s dismissal and reached 348/6 by the close of play after 106 overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was unbeaten on 29, while Hasan Mahmud was not out on 13 at stumps.

Bangladesh therefore ended Day 2 with a 150-run lead over Australia, leaving the hosts with plenty of work to do to stay in the contest.