MACKAY, Australia: Mitchell Starc has finally conquered the summit of ICC Test bowling rankings, becoming the world’s No.1-ranked bowler for the first time in his illustrious 15-year career.
The 36-year-old Australian paceman achieved the landmark following a match-winning 10-wicket haul against Bangladesh in Mackay, where he produced one of the most devastating bowling spells of his career to draw the series and end Jasprit Bumrah’s 10-month reign at the top.
Record-breaking performance in Mackay
Starc’s rise to No.1 was powered by a sensational display in the second Test against Bangladesh, where he returned figures of 6-12 and 4-39. His first-innings spell was particularly breathtaking, as he claimed a five-wicket haul in just 22 deliveries, ripping through the Bangladeshi batting order with lethal pace and swing.
The performance n
Breathing fire every time he takes the ball 🔥
Mitchell Starc ascends to No.1 in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings 🔝
More ➡️ https://t.co/fvecGLHkbT pic.twitter.com/SvjlhKaFEk
— ICC (@ICC) August 26, 2026
ot only secured a convincing Australian victory to level the series but also propelled Starc two spots up the rankings to 872 rating points, just 10 points ahead of India’s Jasprit Bumrah, who had held the top position since November 2024.
The Australian left-armer had previously climbed as high as No.2 after the Boxing Day Test last year but had never before taken the final step to the summit.
Milestones pile up for veteran quick
Starc’s latest achievement adds to a growing collection of career milestones. His six-wicket haul in Mackay took him past South African great Dale Steyn’s tally of 439 wickets, making him the 10th-highest wicket-taker in Test history and
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc has claimed ICC No.1 Test BOWLER in rankings. pic.twitter.com/LeHcnUiwe8
— Ishan Kishan (@Ishankishan51fc) August 26, 2026
the fifth-highest among fast bowlers.
During the first Test against Bangladesh in Darwin, he had already become the most prolific left-arm bowler in Test history, moving past Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath’s 433 wickets. Starc now boasts 445 Test wickets to his name.
Currently, the 36-year-old is also the leading wicket-taker in the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, with an impressive 58 wickets from 10 Tests – a testament to his enduring excellence and consistency in the longest format.
A 15-year journey to the top
For Starc, the No.1 ranking arrives 15 years after his Test debut in 2011, completing a wait that has lasted throughout a career in which he has established himself among the most feared fast bowlers the format has ever seen. His ability to generate extreme pace, combined with lethal reverse swing and a devastating yorker, has made him a match-winner across all conditions.
A change at the top of the rankings for Test bowlers as an Australian quick claims the No.1 spot for the very first time 😲https://t.co/fvecGLHkbT
— ICC (@ICC) August 26, 2026
The Australian paceman’s journey to the top has been defined by perseverance, as he has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations while maintaining his fitness and hunger well into his mid-30s. His latest milestone is widely regarded as a fitting reward for one of the game’s most durable and destructive fast bowlers.
Brook strengthens No.1 batting spot
In the batting rankings, England’s Harry Brook continued his hold on the No.1 position, extending his lead over teammate Joe Root to 24 rating points.
India’s Rishabh Pant made a significant return to the top 10 for the first time in a year, climbing six places to seventh after scores of 39 and 66 against Sri Lanka. Australia’s Cameron Green was another major mover, rising nine places to 21st.
Read Also: Starc’s 10 Wicket Haul Crushes Bangladesh with an Innings Defeat
Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja continues to lead the ICC Test all-rounder rankings, maintaining his dominance in the combined standings.
