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Sydney, January 8: Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc etched his name into the history books after taking 31 wickets in the Ashes 2025–26 series, joining an elite group of bowlers with 30 or more wickets in an Ashes series this century.
Starc achieved the milestone during the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The left-arm pacer finished the five-match series as the highest wicket-taker, claiming 31 wickets in 10 innings at an impressive average of 19.93, including two five-wicket hauls.
Starc’s Key Role in Australia’s Ashes Triumph
Mitchell Starc played a decisive role in Australia’s 4–1 series victory over the Ben Stokes-led England side. He led the bowling attack in the absence of senior pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who missed parts of the series due to limited availability and injury.
With his stellar performance, Starc joined an exclusive club that includes Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, and Mitchell Johnson, all of whom have taken 30 or more wickets in an Ashes series since 2000.
Elite Bowlers With 30+ Wickets in an Ashes Series (21st Century)
- Shane Warne – 40 wickets (2005)
- Mitchell Johnson – 37 wickets (2013–14)
- Glenn McGrath – 32 wickets (2001)
- Shane Warne – 31 wickets (2001)
- Mitchell Starc – 31 wickets (2025–26)
Australia Win Sydney Test, Seal Series 4–1
Australia won the Sydney Test by five wickets, sealing a dominant Ashes campaign. England posted 384 runs in their first innings, with Joe Root scoring 160. Harry Brook added a valuable 84.
In reply, Australia piled up 567 runs, taking a 183-run lead. Travis Head starred with 163 runs, while Steve Smith scored 138. England managed 342 in their second innings, setting Australia a target of 160 runs, which the hosts chased successfully.
Starc Named Player of the Series
For his outstanding bowling performance throughout the Ashes 2025–26, Mitchell Starc was named Player of the Series. Travis Head, who scored over 600 runs, earned the Player of the Match award in the final Test.
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