Mitchell Starc Takes 6-12 Against Bangladesh to Enter All-Time Top 10 Test Wicket-Takers
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc produced a devastating opening spell on August 22, 2026, taking six wickets for 12 runs to help dismiss Bangladesh for just 64 runs in the first session of the second Test at Mackay. The performance also saw Starc surpass South Africa’s Dale Steyn to claim outright 10th place on the list of highest wicket-takers in Test cricket history.
What Happened
Starc struck immediately on the very first delivery of the match, having Bangladesh opening batter Shadman Islam caught at gully. Maintaining relentless pressure throughout the morning session, Starc reached his five-wicket haul from just 22 deliveries. He capped his 10-over spell by having Shoriful caught behind to finish with figures of 6 for 12.
Bangladesh were bowled out in 34 overs for 64 runs, which stands as the fourth-lowest total in the nation’s Test history. Australian captain Pat Cummins picked up 3 for 25, while Josh Hazlewood claimed the final wicket of the innings. In reply, Australia reached 165 for eight at stumps, securing a 101-run lead heading into day two.
Following his bowling display, Starc participated in a lighthearted television exchange on Fox Cricket with his wife, Alyssa Healy. When Healy joked about dinner expenses after noting, "I paid for dinner last night. Does that mean it’s now your turn?" Starc responded by pointing out, "You’re paid the bigger bucks than I am."
Starc also discussed the conditions at Mackay, referencing Healy’s past experience playing international cricket at the ground and noting that local Queensland players had drawn comparisons between the pitch and the Gabba. Starc stated that having first use of the wicket after not being at their best the previous week worked in Australia’s favor.
Key Highlights
- Mitchell Starc claimed 6 wickets for 12 runs in 10 overs during the opening session.
- Starc took a wicket on the first ball of the match and completed a five-wicket haul in 22 balls.
- Bangladesh were dismissed for 64 runs in 34 overs, their fourth-lowest total in Test cricket.
- Starc reached 440 career Test wickets, surpassing Dale Steyn (439) to take 10th place on the all-time Test wicket-takers list.
- Pat Cummins took 3 for 25 and Josh Hazlewood took 1 wicket to round out the Bangladesh innings.
- Australia reached 165 for eight by stumps, establishing a first-innings lead of 101 runs.
Why This Matters
The dominant display in Mackay provided an immediate response for Australia after Bangladesh secured a nine-wicket victory in the first Test in Darwin. On an individual level, the spell elevated Starc’s career tally to 440 Test wickets, placing him among the ten most prolific wicket-takers in the history of Test cricket.
What to Watch Next
Australia will resume their first innings from 165 for eight, looking to extend their 101-run advantage over Bangladesh with two wickets remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Mitchell Starc’s figures in the first innings?
Mitchell Starc finished with bowling figures of 6 for 12 from 10 overs.
Whose Test wicket record did Mitchell Starc surpass?
Starc surpassed Dale Steyn’s career total of 439 wickets, reaching 440 Test wickets to move into outright 10th place on the all-time list.
What did Bangladesh score in their first innings?
Bangladesh were bowled out for 64 runs in 34 overs, marking their fourth-lowest total in Test history.
What is the current series context?
Bangladesh entered the match with a 1-0 series lead after winning the first Test in Darwin by nine wickets.
Source: Crictracker