England’s long-running struggle against Australian fast bowler Mitchell has continued into another Ashes series, with Mitchell Starc once again proving decisive. In the ongoing 2025–26 contest, the left-armer has been Australia’s leading wicket-taker, stepping up at crucial moments and underlining his value in a seasoned pace attack.
Starc’s impact this summer has come not just through raw pace, but through consistency and intelligence built over years at the highest level. His ability to stay fit and available has allowed him to dominate long spells, even as other fast bowlers have rotated in and out.
Ashes dominance and historic milestones
Starc has taken 26 wickets in the series so far, averaging just over 17, according to BBC Sport data. With another strong Test, he is on course to record the best Ashes haul by a bowler since 2013. He has also moved past several legends on the all-time Test wicket-takers list, becoming the most successful left-arm pace bowler in Test history, as per ICC records.
His durability stands out. This Test marks his 27th consecutive appearance for Australia, a remarkable run for a fast bowler in the modern era.
From raw pace to complete fast bowler
Early in his career, Starc relied heavily on swing and high pace, often targeting the stumps with full deliveries. Over time, he has refined his approach, learning how to manage his workload while remaining threatening in all conditions.
Former Australia coach Tim Nielsen explained the transformation in an interview with BBC Sport, saying Starc was encouraged early on to test his physical limits and build mental toughness. That approach has paid dividends over more than a decade at international level.
Why batters still fear him
Despite occasional criticism for conceding runs, Starc’s strike rate places him among the most effective fast bowlers in Test history, according to ESPNcricinfo statistics. Only a handful of elite bowlers have taken wickets more frequently.
Former England batter Dawid Malan told BBC Sport that Starc remains difficult even when batters feel settled. He noted that Starc often sets batters up patiently before delivering an unplayable ball that changes the game instantly.
The wobble seam evolution
A major reason for Starc’s late-career surge has been the addition of the wobble seam delivery. Introduced after the 2019 Ashes, it has added unpredictability and increased his effectiveness in taking edges.
Since the start of the 2023 Ashes, Starc has taken more Test wickets than any other bowler worldwide, according to ICC data. Former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie told BBC Sport that Starc’s willingness to learn from bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad shows rare adaptability for a fast bowler in his mid-30s.
A threat that refuses to fade
Starc may no longer bowl at extreme speeds every spell, but his average pace remains high, and his skill set has expanded. With fitness, experience and tactical awareness on his side, Australia’s left-armer continues to pose the same problem England first encountered more than a decade ago.
And judging by this Ashes, that problem is not going away anytime soon.
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