Mitchell Starc Dethrones Jasprit Bumrah To Become Number One Test Bowler in Latest ICC Rankings
Mitchell Starc has soared to the top of the ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings, dethroning India's Jasprit Bumrah after a sensational 10-wicket performance against Bangladesh in Mackay. This marks a career-first for the Australian quick, who achieved this milestone by capitalizing on Bumrah's absence due to a left-knee injury.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has officially become the world's number one Test bowler in the latest ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings, released today, August 26, 2026. His dominant performance in the recent second Test against Bangladesh propelled him past India's Jasprit Bumrah, who had held the top position. Unmukt Chand Shares Emotional Reflection on 2012 U-19 World Cup Anniversary.
Starc's ascent comes on the back of a match-winning display at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, where Australia secured an emphatic innings and 51-run victory over Bangladesh. The left-arm quick was unplayable, finishing with exceptional figures of 10 wickets for 51 runs across both innings.
Mitchell Starc's Mackay Masterclass
The second Test, which concluded on August 23, 2026, saw Starc tear through the Bangladeshi batting line-up. He claimed 6 for 12 in the first innings, a spell that dismantled the visitors and contributed to their paltry total of 64. He followed this up with 4 for 39 in the second innings as Australia leveled the two-match series 1-1. For his efforts, Starc was deservedly named both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
Jasprit Bumrah's Injury Layoff
Jasprit Bumrah's brief two-month reign at the top of the rankings concludes as he continues to recover from a left-knee injury. The Indian pace spearhead sustained the injury during an ODI series against England in July and has subsequently been ruled out of India's ongoing two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
India's tour of Sri Lanka commenced with the first Test in Galle on August 15, 2026, followed by the second Test in Colombo starting August 23, 2026, both of which Bumrah missed. His absence meant no opportunity to add to his ranking points, paving the way for Starc's remarkable leap. ‘Trying to Make a Comeback?’, Suryakumar Yadav Shares Light-Hearted Banter With Sanath Jayasuriya.
ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings (as of August 26, 2026)
| Rank | Player | Team | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mitchell Starc | Australia | |
| 2 | Jasprit Bumrah | India | |
| 3 | Matt Henry | New Zealand | |
| 4 | Pat Cummins | Australia | |
| 5 | Marco Jansen | South Africa |
Starc, who was born on January 30, 1990, is 36 years old. He has achieved this career-best ranking after years of consistent performance, having previously reached a high of second place. This milestone underscores his enduring quality and vital role in Australia's formidable Test attack.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 26, 2026 02:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).