Imagine a cricketer in his mid-30s, defying age and expectations, single-handedly dismantling a rival team's hopes. That's exactly what Mitchell Starc did during the Ashes 2025, leaving England reeling and cricket fans in awe. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Starc's dominance a testament to his skill, or a glaring indictment of England's vulnerabilities?**
While Queensland's South Burnett region buzzed with tourists enjoying its wineries, the real vintage was on display at the Gabba. Mitchell Starc, approaching his 36th birthday, showed no signs of slowing down, relishing in grinding England's aspirations into the Brisbane dust. His performance was a masterclass in both bowling and batting, leaving England scrambling for answers.
Starc's figures spoke for themselves: 6-75 in England's innings, adding to his match-total of 10-113 in the first Test. But it was his batting on day two that truly sealed England's fate. When he arrived at the crease, Australia led by 49 runs. By the time he departed 34 overs later, that lead had ballooned to 157, leaving England staring down the barrel of another defeat.
And this is the part most people miss: Starc's batting wasn't just about brute force. While England's tailenders often favor aggression, Starc adopted a more stoic approach. He played shorter lengths with precision, punishing fuller deliveries in his 141-ball 77. His strike rate soared to 200 against anything pitched up by England's seamers, yet he remained disciplined against back-of-a-length balls, scoring at a rate only marginally higher than his career average.
His innings ended as dusk approached, caught by England captain Ben Stokes, who must have felt a mix of relief and frustration. But the damage was done. Australia secured a first-innings lead of 177 after being bowled out for 511. Starc's performance was historic, making him only the fifth player since 1963 to achieve a five-wicket haul in the first innings and a half-century in the second of an Ashes Test. He joins the ranks of Mitchell Johnson, the left-arm seamer who dominated England in 2013-14, achieving the same feat in Perth.
Former England captain Alastair Cook summed it up perfectly for TNT Sports: "Mitchell Starc destroyed England's top order with the ball and now he is breaking their hearts with the bat."
With the pink ball back in his hand, Starc is poised to wreak havoc on England's top order once again. But here's a thought-provoking question: Is Starc's success a result of his own brilliance, or a reflection of England's inability to adapt to his style? Let us know in the comments.
BBC Sport's chief cricket writer, Stephan Shemilt, highlights the stark contrast between Starc's ease at the crease and the difficulty he poses to England's batsmen. Leading Australia's pace attack in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, and even stepping up after Nathan Lyon's omission in Brisbane, Starc has been the linchpin of Australia's success.
His performance evokes memories of Mitchell Johnson, whose left-arm pace dismantled England in the 2013-14 Ashes. Like Johnson, Starc isn't just a bowler; his handy runs have proven invaluable. But here's a controversial take: Could Starc's prolonged stay at the crease in Brisbane have been a strategic move to push England's innings closer to twilight, when conditions favor the bowlers? Whether coincidence or strategy, the result was devastating for England.
England's Ashes campaign needed a strong start, and Starc has been the primary reason they've faltered. As the series progresses, the question remains: Can England find a way to counter Starc's dominance, or will he continue to be the thorn in their side? Share your thoughts below—we'd love to hear your take on this cricketing conundrum.
