Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc has achieved a major milestone in his Test career by becoming the No 1 ranked bowler in the latest ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings.
The 36 year old left arm pacer reached the summit for the first time after delivering a match winning performance against Bangladesh in the second Test of the ICC World Test Championship series at Mackay. His exceptional bowling helped Australia secure a comprehensive innings and 51 run victory and level the two match series.
Starc Reaches Career Best Ranking
Starc moved up two places in the latest rankings after his outstanding performance against Bangladesh. He overtook New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry and India’s Jasprit Bumrah to claim the top position.
The Australian pacer now leads Bumrah by 10 rating points. Starc had previously reached a career best ranking of No 2, but the top position had remained out of reach throughout his long international career.
His latest achievement comes after more than 15 years at the highest level of international cricket.
Match Winning Performance Against Bangladesh
The key reason behind Starc’s rise was his exceptional performance in the second Test against Bangladesh.
In the first innings, Starc produced a devastating spell of 6 for 12. His bowling played a major role in restricting Bangladesh to just 64 runs.
He then returned in the second innings to claim 4 for 39, completing a 10 wicket match haul.
Starc finished the match with figures of 10 for 51 and was instrumental in Australia's innings and 51 run victory. The performance also earned him Player of the Match and Player of the Series honours.
Bumrah Drops to Second
India’s Jasprit Bumrah has moved down to second place in the updated ICC Test bowling rankings.
Bumrah had been one of the most consistent bowlers at the top of the rankings and had spent a significant period as the world’s leading Test bowler.
His absence from India’s ongoing World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka, combined with Starc’s impressive performances against Bangladesh, contributed to the change at the top.
Bumrah’s latest ranking remains a reflection of his outstanding Test career, but Starc’s recent form has given the Australian veteran the advantage in the latest update.
Matt Henry Moves to Third
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry has also been affected by Starc’s rise.
Henry has dropped to third position in the Test bowling rankings, with Starc moving above both Henry and Bumrah.
The latest rankings underline the highly competitive nature of Test bowling, with performances in individual matches capable of producing significant changes in the standings.
Starc’s Long Test Career
Starc has been a regular presence among the leading Test bowlers for much of his career.
The Australian left armer has built his reputation through his pace, ability to generate movement and effectiveness with both the new and older ball.
He recently moved into the top three in the Test bowling rankings following strong performances during the Ashes.
However, reaching the No 1 position had remained an achievement he had not previously accomplished.
The Bangladesh series finally provided Starc with the opportunity to reach the summit.
Australia’s Strong Bowling Attack
Starc’s rise also highlights the strength of Australia’s current bowling unit.
Captain Pat Cummins moved up one place to fourth in the latest Test bowling rankings after taking six wickets against Bangladesh.
Veteran spinner Nathan Lyon also climbed two places to reach 10th.
The combination of Starc, Cummins and Lyon continues to provide Australia with a highly experienced bowling attack capable of performing in different conditions.
England Bowlers Also Make Significant Gains
The latest ICC rankings also produced major improvements for England’s fast bowlers.
Ollie Robinson moved up 15 places to 11th after his match winning performance against Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley.
Josh Tongue also made a significant jump, moving 16 places to 17th.
The two England bowlers combined for 16 wickets during the match, helping their team secure a comprehensive victory.
Changes in the Test Batting Rankings
There were also notable movements in the Test batting rankings.
England batter Harry Brook continues to occupy the No 1 position, while teammate Joe Root remains second.
Australia’s Steve Smith and Travis Head hold third and fourth positions respectively.
India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant was one of the major movers inside the top 10. Following his quick scoring half century in the second innings of India’s first Test victory over Sri Lanka in Galle, Pant moved up six places to joint seventh.
Ravindra Jadeja Remains No 1 All Rounder
India’s Ravindra Jadeja continues to hold the No 1 position in the ICC Test all rounder rankings.
Jadeja has retained his place at the top despite other players making gains in the latest update.
Pat Cummins also moved up in the all rounder rankings, while Cameron Green and Ollie Robinson recorded improvements.
A Major Milestone for Starc
Becoming the world No 1 Test bowler represents a significant achievement for Starc.
The Australian pacer has already established himself as one of the leading fast bowlers of his generation, but the top ranking had remained missing from his list of individual accomplishments.
His latest performance against Bangladesh demonstrated the qualities that have made him a key part of Australia’s Test team for more than a decade.
The 10 wicket haul also added to his impressive record in Test cricket and strengthened his position among the leading wicket takers of the modern era.
Bangladesh Series Proves Decisive
The Bangladesh series played an important role in Starc’s rise.
Australia suffered a surprise defeat in the first Test in Darwin, making the second match particularly important for the visitors.
Starc responded with one of his strongest performances of the series, helping Australia bounce back in emphatic fashion.
His 6 for 12 in the first innings immediately put Bangladesh under pressure, while his four second innings wickets completed the 10 wicket match haul.
Starc Now Leads the Rankings
With the latest ICC rankings update, Starc sits at the top of the Test bowling list, followed by Bumrah and Henry.
The rankings are based on performances over a period of time, meaning Starc’s rise reflects not only his Bangladesh performance but also his recent consistency in Test cricket.
The latest development gives Australia another player at the summit of the ICC rankings and marks a new chapter in Starc’s career.
For Bumrah, the drop to second does not diminish his status as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. His performances over recent years have kept him among the most influential players in Test cricket.
The battle between Starc, Bumrah and Henry is now likely to remain closely watched as the World Test Championship cycle continues.
For Starc, however, the immediate achievement is historic. After years of competing among the world’s best, the Australian fast bowler has finally reached the No 1 position in Test cricket