Mitchell Starc has been the unforseen star in the one day 2025-26 Ashes series. His 26 wickets are the most of any bowler, with a remarkable average of 17.42. At 35, Starc has really had to step up in the absence of his more famous pace attack mates. He proves his timeless talent, fierce tenacity, and unwavering discipline on the field each time he plays. Deep in his fourth year, his brilliant play has cemented his place with the upper-echelon bowlers. He has since gone on to be one of the all-time greats in Ashes history.
Starc’s current run marks the fifth-best wicket-taking performance in an Ashes series since Mitchell Johnson’s dominant display in 2013. Starc had four in the fifth Test down in Sydney too. With this performance, he equals Johnson’s record for the best haul in an Ashes series for the last dozen years. This milestone just adds to Starc’s greatness given that he is somehow aging like a fine wine while accelerating past the limits of his experience.
Starc has ticked off some seriously lofty individual bowling feats. In doing so he has already outscored three of England’s top-order batsmen for the series matching his all-round worth. It’s his tremendous contributions with the bat that reinforces his talent with the ball, making him one of Australia’s most valuable assets.
Starc’s motivation to continue to grow and learn and develop as a player has shone through over the years. His average pace is more than 87 mph, no small feat and a further show of his conditioning and commitment. He has introduced the wobble seam delivery into his repertoire after being dropped during the 2019 Ashes tour, showcasing his willingness to learn and improve.
His latest stats suggest a big increase in dismissals at slips. Compared to three years ago, this number has grown by almost 10%. This positive trend highlights his continued ability to throw deliveries to help make difficult catches a little bit easier. It underlines his remarkable strategic acumen of the game.
Starc is set to play his 27th consecutive Test for Australia in the fifth Test. Remarkably, he has missed just four of the last 56 matches. This streak is yet another testament to his competitiveness, determination and durability as a player. He became the greatest left-arm pace bowler in Test cricket history, a sublime achievement in itself. He has passed other greats such as Curtly Ambrose, Harbhajan Singh, Shaun Pollock, and Wasim Akram all on the all-time wicket-takers’ list.
Starc has a superior strike rate to legendary quicks Dale Steyn and Waqar Younis, each of whom took more than 350 Test wickets. You’re getting to see somebody actively carve their name into the annals of cricket history. If he takes another four wickets, he’ll join an elite group of pace bowlers. Only four others are on the magnificent 500 Test wickets club.
Starc’s transformation into a complete bowler hasn’t been missed by his colleagues. Jason Gillespie remarked on Starc’s adaptability and growth, stating, “Mitchell Starc just shows you can teach an old dog new tricks.” Gillespie noted Starc’s diligence in studying other bowlers, saying he “watched a lot of Stuart Broad and James Anderson and spoke to them about it.”
England’s batsman Dawid Malan shared insight into facing Starc, describing the challenge he presents: “What I found tricky is I always felt like I was in against him… one in every 10 balls he’d bowl an absolute jaffa and you would just be walking back.” Malan acknowledged Starc’s wicket-taking ability, emphasizing that “if you don’t respect him every single ball he just finds a way of getting you out.”
Starc’s competitive drive would not be possible without the vital role mentoring plays. Coach Nielsen explained how he encourages players to push their limits: “At the time it might have pricked him a little bit… to try and get them to be better than they have been in the past or to be mentally or physically stronger.” He painted a different picture when discussing Starc’s health. He talked about moments when Starc was sore and wanted to rest, but decided himself to push the boundaries in a positive way.
Talks regarding Starc’s future pursuit are already swirling. The speculation is already thick that he could go on tour to England for the 2027 Ashes at age 37. Such longevity would be a remarkable achievement in professional cricket and is testament to his commitment to the sport.
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