Australia Triumphs in The Ashes 2026, Sets New Test Series Run-Rate Record

Australia Retains The Ashes Trophy

The Ashes 2026 came to a close on Thursday, with Australia successfully defending their title by winning the series 4-1. This series has etched its name in history by achieving the highest run-rate in a Test series consisting of at least four matches, reaching an impressive 4.07.

Breaking Previous Records

This new record surpasses the previous high of 3.93 set during the 2023 Ashes in England. In the final Test held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia secured a decisive five-wicket victory over England, concluding the series with a 4-1 scoreline.

Series Overview

Australia claimed victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, while England managed to secure a notable win in Melbourne. Throughout the series, the England team, led by Ben Stokes, struggled against the Australian bowlers, particularly their pace attack.

Travis Head's Stellar Performance

Travis Head emerged as Australia's standout player, finishing the series as the leading run-scorer with a total of 629 runs across five matches and ten innings. He maintained an impressive average of 62.90 and a strike rate of 87.36, including three centuries. Notably, he is the only player to score over 600 runs in a single Ashes series with a strike rate exceeding 75. Head's remarkable performance earned him two 'Player of the Match' awards, with a standout innings of 123 runs off just 83 balls in Perth.

Mitchell Starc: Player of the Series

Mitchell Starc, Australia's premier fast bowler, was instrumental in the team's success, finishing as the leading wicket-taker of the series. He took 31 wickets in ten innings at an impressive average of 19.93, including two five-wicket hauls. In addition to his bowling prowess, Starc contributed 156 runs with the bat, featuring two half-centuries. His exceptional performance earned him the title of Player of the Series.