Mitchell Starc Shrugs Off Comparisons with Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn

Cricket is filled with milestones. But few players handle them with the humility that Mitchell Starc has consistently displayed. As the Australian pace spearhead closes in on two legendary fast bowlers—India’s Kapil Dev and South Africa’s Dale Steyn—on the all-time Test wicket-takers list, the left-arm quick has made it clear that personal records are not his primary motivation.

Ahead of Australia’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh, Starc addressed the growing comparisons with Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn. While acknowledging the honour of being mentioned alongside two of cricket’s greatest fast bowlers, he insisted that such milestones will only carry real meaning once his playing career is over.

Here’s everything Starc had to say and why the milestone is significant.

Mitchell Starc remains grounded despite historic milestone 

Mitchell Starc enters Australia’s upcoming Test series against Bangladesh with 433 Test wickets to his name. That leaves him just one wicket behind Kapil Dev’s tally of 434 and seven wickets away from overtaking Dale Steyn’s 439 wickets. If he enjoys another productive series, Starc could climb into the top 10 all-time Test wicket-takers while also becoming one of the five most successful fast bowlers in Test history.

Starc has chosen to stay focused on Australia’s objectives rather than individual honour.

Speaking about the comparisons, Starc said:

“It means I’ve played a bit. It is cool and very humbling to be spoken about with those guys. But that stuff doesn’t mean a whole lot while you’re still playing. You don’t get too far ahead.”

His comments reflect the mindset that has helped him remain one of the world’s premier fast bowlers for more than a decade.

Starc credits mindset for career longevity 

Now 36 years old, Mitchell Starc believes the biggest reason behind his sustained success isn’t just skill or fitness—it’s his mentality. The Australian quick explained that learning to move on quickly from poor spells and difficult days has transformed his performances in recent years. 

Starc revealed that he has developed a much clearer mindset. He refuses to dwell on mistakes or outside opinions. According to him, accepting that every day will not be perfect has allowed him to continue improving even after 16 years in international cricket. He also pointed technical improvements, including better use of the wobble seam and greater consistency, while stressing that mental clarity has been the biggest factor behind his recent success.

A remarkable career among cricket’s greatest fast bowlers 

Mitchell Starc has established himself as one of Australia’s finest left-arm fast bowlers, since making his Test debut in 2011.

His achievements: 

• Over 430 Test wickets.

• Several ICC tournaments won for Australia.

• One of the fastest bowlers to reach several major wicket milestones.

• Regularly leading the pace bowling attack of Australia with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

• Consistent performance in Ashes series and World Test Championship campaigns.

His longevity has become even more impressive considering the physical demands placed on modern fast bowlers.

Comparing Starc with Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn 

The comparisons are understandable given the stature of the players involved.

Kapil Dev 

Kapil Dev revolutionized Indian fast bowling during the 1980s. He finished his career with 434 Test wickets, a world record for a fast bowler at the time, and inspired generations of Indian seamers.

Dale Steyn 

Dale Steyn remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in cricket history. His 439 Test wickets came at an outstanding average and strike rate. This made him the greatest fast bowler of the modern era.

Mitchell Starc 

Unlike Kapil Dev’s relentless endurance or Steyn’s explosive aggression, Starc has carved his own identity with exceptional pace, yorkers and the ability to swing both the new and old ball. His left-arm angle has made him one of the toughest bowlers to face across conditions.

Rather than embracing comparisons, Starc believes every era produces its own unique champions.

Australia focused on World Test Championship 

While Starc’s personal milestone has grabbed headlines, Australia’s attention remains firmly on the World Test Championship.

The Bangladesh series marks the beginning of a demanding stretch of Test cricket for Pat Cummins’ side, with crucial series against South Africa, New Zealand and India also scheduled in the coming months. Australia currently sit in a strong position in the World Test Championship standings. This makes every Test and every wicket vital. Starc himself has been among the leading wicket-takers in the current WTC cycle. He underlines his continued importance to the team.

Can Starc surpass both legends in this series? 

Based on current form, Starc has every chance of moving past both Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn during the Bangladesh series. He requires:

Given Starc’s recent performances and Australia’s favourable schedule, the milestone appears well within reach.

Conclusion  

Mitchell Starc’s comments once again showcased why he is admired not only for his bowling but also for his professionalism. Fans are eagerly waiting for him on overtaking Kapil Dev and Dale Steyn on the all-time Test wicket list. Yet, Starc remains focused on what matters most, which is helping Australia win matches.

Whether he surpasses the two legends against Bangladesh or later in the season, his legacy as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers in Test cricket is already secure. His humility in the face of history only adds another chapter to an extraordinary career.

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