Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has been named the Ashes Player of the Series, following a dominant display built on consistency and high standards rather than flashy new tricks.
Starc outshone his nearest rival, Travis Head, to claim the award for the first time in his career.
The 35-year-old left-arm paceman took 31 wickets at an average of 19.93, marking his highest wicket tally in a single Test series. Speaking after the series, Starc said, “I felt like if I could do my role well, that was the best thing I could do for the team.”
Starc often had to shoulder the bowling burden alone, as usual partners Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood were limited to just three Tests between them this summer. Captain Steve Smith praised Starc’s performance, saying, “Man of the series, he’s been incredible, and both he and Scotty playing all five games was a huge effort.”
Starc was a key figure in Australia’s campaign, earning Player of the Match in two of the first three Tests.
Reflecting on his form, he said, “Maybe it’s career-best, it feels like it’s going okay, and the body’s still holding together. It’s a great group to be part of, and it’s a lot of fun.”
Highlights of his series include career-best figures of 7-58 in Perth and surpassing Wasim Akram to become the most prolific left-arm seamer in Test history. He dismissed England captain Ben Stokes and opener Ben Duckett five times each across the five matches, cementing his role as Australia’s leading threat with the ball.
