Mitchell Starc has already passed several milestones that most fast bowlers never reach, but his latest chapter has added another one. After taking 10 wickets against Bangladesh in Mackay in August 2026, Starc moved to No. 1 in the ICC Men Test Bowling Rankings for the first time in his career. He did it at 36, after crossing 400 Test wickets and completing 100 Tests the previous year.
The Australian left-armer is also preparing for another major assignment. He is part of Australia squads for the September 2026 ODI series and October 2026 Test series against South Africa, keeping him firmly in the team plans ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Here is an updated look at Mitchell Starc age, biography, debut, international and IPL statistics, wife, records, recent performances, earnings and career milestones.
Mitchell Starc Profile and Biography
Mitchell Aaron Starc was born on 30 January 1990 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He stands 197 cm tall and bats left-handed while bowling left-arm fast. Cricket Australia lists him as a bowler, and his international career began when he was only 20 years old.
Interestingly, Starc did not begin his sporting development as a specialist fast bowler. He initially trained as a wicketkeeper before moving towards pace bowling during his teenage years. That change eventually produced one of Australia most successful left-arm quicks.
| Personal Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Mitchell Aaron Starc |
| Date of birth | 30 January 1990 |
| Age | 36 |
| Birthplace | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 197 cm |
| Role | Bowler |
| Batting style | Left-handed |
| Bowling style | Left-arm fast |
| Current international formats | Tests and ODIs |
| IPL team | Delhi Capitals |
| BBL team | Sydney Sixers |
His age is 36 as of September 18, 2026. Cricket Australia current profile identifies Australia as his international team, while Delhi Capitals list him as part of their IPL squad.
Mitchell Starc Wife
Mitchell Starc is married to Australian cricketer Alyssa Healy. The couple married in Sydney in April 2016 after knowing each other since their junior cricket days. Cricket Australia reported that they first met when they were nine and later spent several years involved in representative junior cricket.
Their relationship has often attracted attention because both have represented Australia at the highest level. Starc and Healy have also spoken publicly about maintaining a balance between their professional cricket careers and their life away from the sport.
Mitchell Starc International Debut
Starc international career began with Australia in 2010. His three major international debuts came across a period of just under two years.
- ODI debut: 20 October 2010 vs India at Visakhapatnam
- Test debut: 1 December 2011 vs New Zealand at Brisbane
- T20I debut: 7 September 2012 vs Pakistan at Dubai
Cricket Australia confirms all three debut dates. Starc also made an immediate impression in his second ODI, taking 4/27 against Sri Lanka at the Gabba.
His Test career developed more gradually. By December 2022, he had reached 300 Test wickets, becoming only the fifth Australian fast bowler to reach the milestone at that point.
Mitchell Starc Career Stats
He has played more than 100 Tests and has added another major Test milestone in 2026.
International Bowling Statistics
The following figures are current to September 18, 2026.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling | Bowling Average | Economy | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 107 | 445 | 11/94 | 26.12 | 3.43 | 19 |
| ODIs | 130 | 247 | 6/28 | 23.58 | 5.26 | 9 |
| T20Is | 65 | 79 | 4/20 | 23.81 | 7.74 | 0 |
Starc T20I numbers are complete because he retired from international T20 cricket in September 2025. He finished that part of his career with 79 wickets in 65 matches and remains available for domestic T20 leagues such as the IPL.
His Test record is particularly significant. Starc reached 400 Test wickets in his 100th Test against the West Indies in July 2025, becoming only the second Australian fast bowler to reach both 100 Tests and 400 wickets, after Glenn McGrath.
International Batting Statistics
Although bowling is obviously the main part of Starc game, he has provided Australia with useful lower-order runs over the years.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 107 | 2,498 | 99 | 13 | 0 (Cricket Australia) |
| ODIs | 130 | 583 | 52 | 1 | 0 (Cricket Australia) |
| T20Is | 65 | 98 | 14 | 0 | 0 (Cricket Australia) |
His best-known batting near-miss came in Test cricket when he made 99, finishing one run short of a century.
Mitchell Starc in the IPL
Starc IPL career has been unusual because his international commitments, injuries and workload management have kept him away from the tournament at various times.
He first played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2014 and 2015 before returning to the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024. KKR paid ₹24.75 crore for him at the 2024 auction, which was a record price at that auction and made Starc the most expensive player in IPL history at that moment.
For the 2025 season, Starc moved to Delhi Capitals, who retained him for ₹11.75 crore. That deal continued into the 2026 season.
Mitchell Starc IPL Career Stats
Delhi Capitals current player profile records 58 IPL matches and 76 wickets for Starc overall. His best IPL figures are 5/35.
| IPL Season | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | RCB | 14 | 14 | 7.49 |
| 2015 | RCB | 13 | 20 | 6.77 |
| 2024 | KKR | 14 | 17 | 10.61 |
| 2025 | DC | 11 | 14 | 10.17 |
| 2026 | DC | 6 | 11 | 10.18 |
Starc missed the beginning of IPL 2026 while recovering from elbow and shoulder injuries. Cricket Australia cleared him to return in April, and he eventually joined Delhi Capitals during the season.
His comeback produced an immediate impact. On May 17, Starc took 4/40 against Rajasthan Royals and was named Player of the Match as Delhi won by five wickets.
By the end of his six matches in IPL 2026, Starc had taken 11 wickets. Delhi Capitals statistics list 4/40 as his best figures for the season.
Why Mitchell Starc Missed Parts of IPL Cricket
Starc has repeatedly placed Test cricket high on his list of priorities, and that has affected his IPL availability. He missed several IPL seasons completely before returning in 2024.
His retirement from T20Is in September 2025 also reflected that approach. At the time, Starc said he wanted to concentrate on Tests and ODIs and extend his international career rather than continue playing every format. He remains available for franchise T20 competitions.
That decision became particularly relevant in 2026 when his injury prevented him from joining Delhi at the start of the season. After rehabilitation and clearance from Cricket Australia, he returned to the competition.
Starc Recent Performances
The biggest recent performance of Mitchell Starc career came in the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay on August 22-23, 2026.
Starc destroyed Bangladesh first innings with 6/12 from 10 overs, including six maidens, before adding 4/39 in the second innings. His match figures of 10/51 helped Australia win by an innings and 51 runs and level the two-Test series 1-1.
It was the fourth time Starc had taken 10 wickets in a Test match. He was named Player of the Match and Player of the Series for the Bangladesh series.
| Recent Event | Starc Performance | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Test vs Bangladesh, Mackay, Aug 2026 | 10/51, including 6/12 and 4/39 | Australia won by an innings and 51 runs |
| 1st Test vs Bangladesh, Darwin, Aug 2026 | 2/79 and 0/15 | Bangladesh won by 9 wickets |
| IPL 2026 vs Rajasthan Royals | 4/40 | DC won by 5 wickets |
| Ashes 2025-26 | 31 wickets in five Tests | Australia won 4-1 |
The Bangladesh performance also pushed Starc to 445 Test wickets, strengthening his position among the leading wicket-takers in Test cricket.
Mitchell Starc Major Records and Achievements
Starc career contains several records that explain why his name remains so prominent whenever Australia fast-bowling history is discussed.
Fastest to 200 ODI wickets
Starc reached 200 ODI wickets in 102 matches in September 2022, surpassing Saqlain Mushtaq previous mark.
50 World Cup wickets
He became the fastest bowler to reach 50 wickets in men’s Cricket World Cups, reaching the mark in only 19 innings during the 2023 tournament.
Most wickets in one men World Cup
Starc took 27 wickets in 10 matches in the 2019 World Cup, which remains the record for a single edition.
2015 World Cup Player of the Tournament
Starc collected 22 wickets at an average of 10.18 as Australia won the 2015 World Cup.
400 Test wickets
In July 2025, he became only the second Australian fast bowler to reach 400 Test wickets, doing so in his 100th Test.
Fastest five-wicket haul in Test cricket
During the same 2025 West Indies Test in Jamaica, Starc took five wickets in just 15 balls.
Sheffield Shield hat-trick record
In 2017, Starc became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in each innings of a Sheffield Shield match, doing so for New South Wales against Western Australia.
2015 and 2019 World Cups: Where Starc Became a Superstar
Starc World Cup record deserves separate attention because his tournament numbers have been extraordinary.
In 2015, he claimed 22 wickets as Australia won the title. He was named Player of the Tournament after producing a combination of left-arm angle, speed and late movement that troubled top-order batters throughout the competition.
Four years later, he went even further. Starc took 27 wickets in the 2019 World Cup, six more than the next highest wicket-taker, and set the record for the most wickets in a single men World Cup edition.
He was also part of Australia 2023 World Cup-winning team in India, taking 16 wickets during the tournament.
Those three campaigns give Starc an unusual combination of longevity and tournament production. He also became the fastest bowler to 50 World Cup wickets in 2023, reaching the milestone in 19 innings.
Starc Bowling Style and Strengths
The most obvious feature of Starc bowling is his left-arm angle. To right-handed batters, that creates a natural line into the pads and stumps, particularly when he gets the ball to swing back late.
His pace makes the threat harder to manage. At his best, Starc combines high speed with full lengths, allowing the ball to move late and attack the stumps rather than simply producing edges.
He is also capable of changing the angle and seam position during a spell. Cricket Australia description of his career highlights his classical left-arm action, swing and ability to bowl at pace, while Starc himself has developed wobble-seam deliveries that have become increasingly useful in Test cricket.
His record also shows an ability to deliver in different phases of a match. The new ball remains his biggest weapon, but his Test career has included long spells and high workloads, while his IPL experience has involved both powerplay and death overs.
Mitchell Starc ICC Ranking Milestone
Starc reached the top of the ICC Men Test Bowling Rankings for the first time on August 26, 2026.
The rise followed his 10-wicket match against Bangladesh in Mackay. ICC reported that he moved above Matt Henry and Jasprit Bumrah to claim the No. 1 position, leading Bumrah by 10 rating points in that update.
That milestone came after an exceptional 15-month stretch in which Starc had taken 63 wickets at 17.33 across 11 Tests following the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
Mitchell Starc Current International Plans
Starc remains part of Australia Test and ODI setup in 2026. He was included in the Australian squads for the September ODI series against South Africa and the three-Test series that begins in Durban on October 9.
The schedule is important because Australia is already looking ahead to the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Starc decision to step away from T20Is was partly designed to leave more room for his Test and ODI commitments.
The South Africa Tests are scheduled for October 9-13 in Durban, October 18-22 in Gqeberha and October 27-31 in Cape Town.
Mitchell Starc Net Worth and Income
There is no officially published figure for Mitchell Starc personal net worth, so online estimates should not be treated as confirmed financial data.
What can be verified is that cricket forms a major part of his professional income. He is contracted by Cricket Australia for the 2026-27 season, earns an IPL salary of ₹11.75 crore with Delhi Capitals, and has also earned income through domestic T20 cricket and commercial opportunities. Cricket Australia 2026-27 contract list includes Starc, while Delhi’s squad information confirms his ₹11.75 crore IPL retention.
His 2024 IPL deal was especially notable: Kolkata Knight Riders paid ₹24.75 crore for Starc at the auction, then the highest-ever auction price for an IPL player.
Mitchell Starc Social Media
Starc has maintained a public social-media presence under the handle @mstarc56. His Instagram and Facebook accounts have been associated with that handle in cricket databases and Cricket Australia material.
Follower counts change frequently, so publishing a fixed number without a dated verification can quickly make a player profile inaccurate. The profile links are more useful for readers looking for his current social activity.
What Makes Mitchell Starc Different?
There are many quick bowlers in international cricket, but Starc career stands out because of the combination of left-arm pace, swing, longevity and major-tournament production.
His numbers show that he has succeeded in Tests and ODIs rather than relying on one format. His 445 Test wickets place him among the leading wicket-takers in the format, while his 247 ODI wickets underline his sustained effectiveness in limited-overs cricket.
The other interesting part of Starc career is adaptation. His early reputation was built around sheer speed and swing, but later in his career he has added wobble seam, improved control and the ability to bowl demanding spells over long periods. His 31 wickets during the 2025-26 Ashes and 10-wicket performance against Bangladesh in 2026 show that the later phase of his career has produced some of his most productive Test cricket.
Final Take on Mitchell Starc’s Career
Mitchell Starc career has moved well beyond the traditional description of a fast bowler. He has won two ODI World Cups with Australia, played a major role in the 2021 T20 World Cup triumph, collected the 2015 World Cup Player of the Tournament award, crossed 400 Test wickets and reached 100 Tests.
At 36, he is still part of Australia’s plans for both Tests and ODIs. His 2026 season has already brought a new ICC ranking milestone and a match-winning 10-wicket Test performance against Bangladesh. The upcoming South Africa series will give him another opportunity to add to a record that is already among the most substantial produced by an Australian fast bowler.
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FAQ
Q1. When did Mitchell Starc make his international debut?
Mitchell Starc made his ODI debut for Australia against India on October 20, 2010. His Test debut came against New Zealand on December 1, 2011, followed by his T20I debut against Pakistan on September 7, 2012.
Q2. How many Test wickets does Mitchell Starc have?
As of September 18, 2026, Starc has taken 445 Test wickets in 107 matches, with best innings figures of 6/48 and best match figures of 11/94 according to Cricket Australia’s current statistics.
Q3. Which IPL team does Mitchell Starc play for?
Mitchell Starc plays for Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He was retained for ₹11.75 crore for the 2026 season and took 11 wickets in six appearances during that campaign.
Q4. Why did Mitchell Starc retire from T20Is?
Starc retired from international T20 cricket in September 2025 to focus on Test and ODI cricket and prolong his international career. He finished with 79 T20I wickets in 65 matches.
Q6. What is Mitchell Starc biggest cricket record?
Among his major records, Starc became the fastest bowler to 200 ODI wickets in terms of matches, reaching the milestone in 102 ODIs. He also holds the record for the most wickets in a single men’s World Cup edition, with 27 in 2019.
