Mitchell Starc secures 31 wickets to lead Australia to a 4-1 Ashes victory.
Mitchell Starc Delivered A Series
Is the traditional concept of a “fast-bowling peak” dead? Usually, by the time a left-arm speedster reaches 36, the conversation shifts to retirement tours and reduced workloads.
But Mitchell Starc just delivered a series that didn’t just defy age—it rewrote the manual on fast-bowling endurance.
As the dust settled at the SCG, Mitchell Starc walked away with the Compton-Miller Medal, 31 wickets at a staggering average of 19.93, and the scalp of every major English batter.
He didn’t just survive the Ashes; he owned them from the first over in Perth to the final wicket in Sydney.
The Ironman Standard
While England’s attack looked like a revolving door of injuries and “workload management,” Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland were ever-present. This was an “Ironman” performance in the truest sense.
- Sustained Velocity: Even on the final day in Sydney, Mitchell Starc was still clocking 145kph, a testament to his elite physical conditioning.
- Statistical Dominance: He became the first Australian since Mitchell Johnson in 2013-14 to take 30 wickets in an Ashes series.
- The Batting Cushion: His two half-centuries were tactically brilliant, particularly his 77 at the Gabba which allowed Australia to bowl under the lights and effectively end the Test match on Day 3.
The Wisdom of Experience
Starc was quick to point out that the “age profile” of the Australian side—often used as a criticism—was actually their greatest weapon.
“Experience has been a really good thing in some moments of the series,” he noted.
By tailoring his preparation and retiring from T20Is to prioritize the red ball, Starc has found a way to stay “fresher” at 35 than he felt at 25.
His partner in crime, Scott Boland, provided the perfect foil. While Starc provided the fire, Boland provided the furnace, finishing with 20 wickets and a masterful spell against Joe Root that highlighted the technical gap between the two sides.
The Tactics of the Tail
The most overlooked aspect of Starc’s series was his intelligence with the bat. Most tailenders swing for the hills; Starc and Boland engineered situations.
In Brisbane, their partnership wasn’t just about runs; it was about timing the declaration. By occupying the crease, they ensured England had to face the new ball under the treacherous Gabba lights.
This “all-round” contribution is what separated the two teams. England’s lower order often folded, whereas Australia’s tail acted as a secondary engine room, demoralizing bowlers and providing the primary attack with much-needed rest.
The Road to the “Double”
The victory in Sydney marks the end of a successful summer, but for Starc, the gaze is already shifting toward 2027.
He has made no secret of his desire to win in India and England—the two final frontiers for this veteran group.
- The 21-Test Marathon: Starting in August, Australia faces a grueling schedule where depth will be tested.
- The Rotation Reality: While Starc played all five here, the emergence of Michael Neser (15 wickets at 19.93) and Jhye Richardson provides a safety net for the aging stars.
- The T20 Blueprint: Starc’s success proves that specializing in Test cricket is the only way for fast bowlers to extend their careers into their late thirties.
Key Takeaways:
- Mitchell Starc wins the Compton-Miller Medal with 31 wickets at 19.93.
- Endurance was the deciding factor, with Starc and Boland playing all five Tests.
- Lower-order batting contributions from the bowlers were tactically decisive in Brisbane and Adelaide.
- Starc eyes the 2027 tours of India and England to complete a legendary career.