Mitchell Starc Poised for Historic Left-Arm Bowling Record in Ashes Finale
Sydney, 7 January 2026 – Australia’s pace spearhead Mitchell Starc is on the verge of claiming a sensational record as the most successful left-arm bowler in Test cricket, needing just six wickets to achieve the milestone in the Ashes 2025-26 series finale at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Starc’s Dominant Ashes Performance
Mitchell Starc has been instrumental in Australia’s Ashes campaign, taking 28 wickets across four matches at an average of 19.5. His standout performances in Perth and Brisbane have highlighted his ability to dominate in high-pressure situations, including dismissing England captain Ben Stokes five times in the series, marking the 14th time overall he has removed Stokes in Test cricket. This dominance underscores Starc’s status as one of the greatest fast bowlers of his generation.
Key Statistics from the Series
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Wickets in Ashes 2025-26 | 28 at 19.5 average |
| Dismissals of Ben Stokes | 14 in Test career, 5 in this series |
| Career Test Wickets | 428 in 104 matches, average 26.43 |
| Five-Wicket Hauls | 18 |
| Ten-Wicket Match Hauls | 3 |
Player of the Series Contenders
As the Ashes draws to a close, Starc is in a tight race for the player of the series award with Travis Head, who has scored 600 runs in the series. Starc’s bowling heroics, especially in the absence of key pacers like Josh Hazlewood, have been pivotal. He began the series with career-best figures of 7-58 in Perth and has struck in the first over multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What record is Mitchell Starc chasing?
Starc is aiming to surpass Wasim Akram as the most successful left-arm pace bowler in Test history, having already overtaken him during the series.
How has Starc performed in the Ashes?
In the 2025-26 Ashes, Starc has taken 28 wickets, including five dismissals of Ben Stokes, and has been a linchpin for Australia’s bowling attack.
What is Starc’s career highlight?
Debuting in 2011, Starc has 428 Test wickets, 18 five-wicket hauls, and three ten-wicket match hauls, making him a cornerstone of Australian cricket.