Now Reading: Mitchell Starc One Wicket Away From Matching Kapil Dev’s Test Tally
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Mitchell Starc One Wicket Away From Matching Kapil Dev’s Test Tally
Mitchell Starc One Wicket Away From Matching Kapil Dev’s Test Tally
The Story in Brief
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has taken 433 wickets in 105 Tests, one short of matching India great Kapil Dev’s 434. Two wickets in Australia’s series against Bangladesh, beginning on 13 August, would take Starc past Kapil, while seven across the series would move him beyond South Africa’s Dale Steyn, who has 439. Starc leads the current World Test Championship cycle with 46 wickets in eight matches.
The 36-year-old has played international cricket for 16 years and credits fitness, a wobble seam and improved consistency for his longevity. He has not played competitive cricket since a brief IPL appearance this year. Shane Warne, Nathan Lyon and Glenn McGrath remain Australia’s leading Test wicket-takers.
The Indian Opinion
For an ordinary Indian reader, Starc’s approach to Kapil Dev’s tally is an interesting cricket statistic and a mark of sustained performance. However, claims that it alone establishes overall greatness would be too strong. Bowlers from different eras faced different conditions, opponents and schedules. Starc’s form after a break from competitive cricket is also uncertain. The Bangladesh series will provide a clearer measure. It is better to treat the milestone as notable without turning it into an absolute ranking.
Sources (3): newindianexpress.com, sports.ndtv.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
