Mitchell Starc surpasses Kapil Dev as Australia face Bangladesh nightmare in Darwin

Mitchell Starc has surpassed the great Indian cricketer Kapil Dev to become the 11th highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, putting Australia in a positive light during their challenging first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin. Starc matched Kapil Dev's impressive tally of 434 Test wickets on Thursday after taking the wicket of Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam.

However, on the second day, Starc went beyond this milestone and added another wicket, removing wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das for a duck, thus bringing his total to 435 wickets and securing the 11th place among the highest wicket-takers in Test cricket. This achievement has also enhanced Starc's standing as Australia's second-most successful pace bowler in Test history, trailing behind Glenn McGrath, who amassed an astounding 563 wickets during his career.

Starc is now on the verge of breaking into the top 10, with South African legend Dale Steyn currently occupying the coveted 10th place with 439 wickets. Despite Starc's personal milestones, Australia has been grappling with a difficult first Test, getting bowled out for a paltry 198 on Day 1 and failing to contain Bangladesh's formidable batting response.

The visitors continued their impressive performance on Friday, with Tanzid Hasan Tamim delivering a historic maiden Test century before Bangladesh firmly took control of the match at the Marrara Cricket Ground. Bangladesh resumed their first innings after Australia's early collapse and capitalized on the favorable batting conditions, with Tanzid and Mominul Haque combining for a 102-run partnership for the second wicket.

Mominul eventually made 101 off 188 balls, including eight fours and a six, before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood for 49. Tanzid then reached his maiden Test century, becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test century in Australia. Despite the setback, Bangladesh continued to build their advantage after Tanzid's dismissal and reached 348/6 by the close of play after 106 overs, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz on 29 and Hasan Mahmud at 13 not out.

This left Australia with a 150-run deficit, leaving them with plenty of work to do to stay in the contest.