Mitchell Starc just one wicket away from matching Kapil Dev’s all-time Test wicket tally

Melbourne: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc stands a single dismissal away from matching Indian legend Kapil Dev on the list of all-time leading wicket-takers in Test cricket, remarking that joining such an illustrious top 10 would be a humbling achievement.

Starc has claimed 433 wickets across 105 Test appearances, placing him one behind Kapil. The upcoming two-Test series against Bangladesh starting 13 August offers the left-armer a chance to eclipse both Kapil and South African pace icon Dale Steyn, who retired with 439 Test scalps.

"It means I've played a bit," Starc told the Australian Associated Press when questioned about approaching the record.

"It is cool and very humbling to be spoken about it with those guys. But that stuff doesn't mean a whole lot while you're still playing. You don't get too far ahead," he added.

Starc currently tops the global bowling charts in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, having taken 46 wickets in eight matches. Within Australian cricket history, he trails only Shane Warne (708), Nathan Lyon (567), and Glenn McGrath (563).

The tall seam bowler noted that maintaining his physical conditioning has required significant effort to withstand the demands of international competition. He made a brief appearance in this year's Indian Premier League but has not featured in competitive matches since.

"When you're 36, and you've been around for 16 years, you'd like to think you've improved or got better at something," Starc said.

"You're also around that long because you're able to develop and learn and improve. And you add in a few things like the wobble seam, consistency and other things. I have a pretty clear mindset on it all," he added.

The match schedule for the Australia versus Bangladesh series is as follows:

First Test: August 13-17, Darwin

Second Test: August 22-26, Mackay

PTI