Updated On: 22 December, 2025 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Rohan Koli
Here’s how star pacer emerged as Australia’s Most Valuable Player of the Ashes by consistently contributing with both ball and bat to help hosts take a 3-0 series-winning lead over England

Australia pacer Mitchell Starc celebrates the wicket of England’s Jofra Archer in Adelaide on Sunday. Pic/Getty Images
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With the ball: Pace spearhead Mitchell Starc swung the opening match in Australia’s favour on the very first morning. The 35-year-old produced a devastating spell, claiming career-best figures of 7-58 in the first innings to dismiss England for just 172 on Day One. In the process, he also became the first left-arm fast bowler to claim 100 Ashes wickets. Starc followed this up with 3-55 in the second innings to finish with match figures of 10-113 and earn the Player of the Match award.
With the ball: Starc gave England an early blow, dismissing opener Ben Duckett for a duck in the first over itself. There was no stopping Starc thereafter as he went on to claim 6-75 to help the hosts dismiss England for 334. During the spell, he also surpassed Pakistan legend Wasim Akram (414) for the most wickets in Tests by a left-arm pacer. He finished the game with an impressive 8-139.