Mitchell Starc Joins Elite Ashes Wicket-Takers in Historic Series Win
Starc's Remarkable Achievement in the Ashes
Sydney, Australia - On January 8, Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc made history by becoming one of the few bowlers to take 30 or more wickets in an Ashes series this century, as reported by cricket.com.au.
Starc reached this milestone during the fifth and final Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Throughout the five-match series, the left-arm bowler claimed 31 wickets across 10 innings, boasting an impressive average of 19.93, which included two five-wicket hauls.
As the leading wicket-taker, Starc played a pivotal role in securing a 4-1 series victory for Australia over England, captained by Ben Stokes. He stepped up significantly in the absence of seasoned bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, the latter being sidelined due to injury.
With his 31 wickets in the 2025-26 Ashes, Starc joined the ranks of cricket legends like Shane Warne (40 wickets in 2005), Mitchell Johnson (37 wickets in 2013-14), and Glenn McGrath (32 wickets in 2001), all of whom have achieved this feat in Ashes history.
In the Sydney Test, Australia triumphed by five wickets against England. Earlier in the series, Australia secured wins in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, while England managed a memorable victory in Melbourne.
England, batting first, scored 384 runs in 97.3 overs, with Joe Root leading the charge with a stellar 160 runs off 242 balls, marking his second century of the series.
Harry Brook contributed a solid 84 runs from 97 balls, while Jamie Smith added 27 runs off 62 deliveries.
For Australia, the wicket-takers included Mitchell Starc (2/93), Michael Neser (4/60), Scott Boland (2/85), Cameron Green (1/85), and Marnus Labuschagne (1/14).
In response, Australia amassed 567 runs in 133.5 overs, taking a commanding 183-run lead. Captain Steve Smith scored 138 runs off 220 balls, while Beau Webster added 71 runs off 87 balls.
Travis Head was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 163 runs off 166 balls. For England, Brydon Carse (3/130), Josh Tongue (3/97), and Ben Stokes (2/95) were among the wicket-takers.
In England's second innings, Jacob Bethell shone with a remarkable 154 runs off 265 balls, supported by Ben Duckett (42 runs) and Harry Brook (42 runs), helping England set a target of 160 runs after scoring 342.
For Australia, Mitchell Starc (3/72), Scott Boland (2/46), Michael Neser (1/55), and Beau Webster (3/64) took wickets.
During the chase, Head (29), Jake Weatherald (34), and Marnus Labuschagne (37) ensured Australia clinched the final Test by five wickets. Josh Tongue had a notable performance for England with a three-wicket haul (3/42).
Starc's exceptional bowling earned him the Player of the Series title, while Travis Head, who scored over 600 runs in the series, was named Player of the Match.