Starc says it is humbling to approach Kapil Dev’s 434 Test wickets

The Story in Brief

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is one wicket shy of equalling Kapil Dev on the all-time Test wicket list, with 433 wickets from 105 Tests. A two-Test series against Bangladesh beginning 13 August offers him a chance to move ahead of Kapil and to challenge South Africa’s Dale Steyn, who finished with 439 Test wickets. Starc leads the current World Test Championship cycle with 46 wickets in eight matches. Only three Australians have more career Test wickets than him: Shane Warne (708), Glenn McGrath (563) and Nathan Lyon (567). The 36-year-old said he has worked to keep his body in good shape over 16 years of international cricket, has experimented with a wobble seam and sought greater consistency. He played briefly in this year’s IPL and has not appeared in competitive cricket since then.

The Indian Opinion

Media focus on milestones can give the impression that surpassing past greats is inevitable; the article highlights Starc’s proximity to Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn without overstating uncertainties. Comparisons across eras are common in cricket coverage but do not account for differences in conditions, opposition, schedules or match volume. Starc’s own comment that it is “very humbling” is measured. The upcoming two-Test series and his fitness will determine whether he moves past those players, so readers should treat current rankings as factual but provisional when assessing long-term legacy.

Original article: It’s cool and humbling: Mitchell Starc as he nears Kapil Dev’s tally of all-time Test wickets (www.newindianexpress.com)

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