Mitchell Starc wants to extend Test career after dominant display against Bangladesh

Australia defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test at Mackay on August 23, 2026, with Mitchell Starc delivering a dominant bowling performance. Starc claimed 10 wickets for 51 runs across the match, taking 6 for 12 in Bangladesh's first innings and 4 for 39 in their second. The victory levelled the series at 1-1 after Bangladesh's historic win in Darwin the previous week.

Starc's match haul marked his fourth 10-wicket performance in Test cricket. On the opening day, he achieved a five-wicket haul in just 22 balls, dismantling Bangladesh's batting lineup on a pitch that favoured fast bowling. His performance earned him the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards for his overall contribution across both Tests.

"Much better week. We knew we weren't at our best, or what we expect of ourselves in Darwin. Bangladesh played really well, so nothing away from them there. But yeah, what we expect from ourselves this week is what we got, particularly with the ball on a wicket that aided us. So, one-all series, but a much better week for us," Starc was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Test cricket remains Starc's priority

Test cricket remains the pinnacle of Starc's career, and he expressed his desire to continue playing the format for as long as his body allows. The fast bowler values his place in Australia's Test squad and the camaraderie within the group.

"It's still hanging together. Yeah, I thoroughly enjoy being part of this group. Test cricket, I've said it before, will always be the pinnacle for me. And later on when we get to sing the song and he's leading it, that's one of the main reasons why we like to do it, love to do it. So, yeah, I'd like to milk my body for all I can for Test cricket," he continued.

How much longer will Starc continue playing?

When asked about the length of his Test career, Starc acknowledged that he still has ground to cover in his pursuit of Test cricket's records. He referenced a conversation with a senior teammate about his progress in the sport.

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"I don't know yet. I'm still playing. Nathan did remind me that I've just stepped on the first rung of the ladder and he's still up there looking down on me. So, still got a way to go," Starc concluded.

The second Test at Mackay proved to be the second-shortest Test match on Australian soil, with Australia's single innings of 210 proving decisive. Starc's performance underlined his continued importance to Australia's Test bowling attack and his enduring quality in the format despite his years in international cricket.