Brisbane, December 6, 2025 – Mitchell Starc has etched his name into Ashes folklore with a remarkable all-round performance in the second Test at the Gabba, joining an exclusive club of cricketers to dominate a match with both bat and ball. In a day-night Test already brimming with drama, Starc's heroics have put Australia in a commanding position to take a 2-0 lead in the series.
Starc's impact was felt immediately, as he spearheaded the Australian bowling attack, taking a stellar six-wicket haul in England's first innings of 334. This performance not only dismantled the English batting lineup but also saw Starc surpass Pakistan legend Wasim Akram to become the left-arm pacer with the most wickets in Test cricket history, a record previously held by Akram with 414 wickets. Starc now boasts 415 wickets in 102 matches.
However, Starc's contributions didn't end there. With Australia resuming on Day 3 at 378-6, Starc strode to the crease and proceeded to frustrate the English bowlers with a resilient and crucial innings. Displaying remarkable composure and skill, he top-scored with a well-compiled 77 off 141 balls, his highest score at the Gabba. His innings was laced with 13 boundaries and was instrumental in Australia posting a formidable total of 511, securing a substantial first-innings lead of 177 runs. Starc's performance helped Australia to take a 177-run lead in the match.
In doing so, Starc broke Stuart Broad's record for the most runs by a No.9 batter in Tests. Starc now has 1,408 runs in 64 Tests, surpassing Broad's 1,389 runs in 67 Tests.
Starc also forged a vital 75-run partnership with Scott Boland for the ninth wicket, a Gabba record, further demoralizing the England side. This partnership not only extended Australia's lead but also consumed valuable time, ensuring England would face a tricky twilight session under the lights against a relatively new pink ball.
With the ball in hand again under the lights, Starc continued to torment England, dismissing Joe Root and Jamie Smith to further destabilize their second innings. At the end of Day 3, England were reeling at 134-6, still trailing by 43 runs, and facing an uphill battle to save the Test and the series.
Starc's stellar performance has drawn high praise from teammates and commentators alike. Alastair Cook noted Starc's day 3 performance destroyed England with the ball and broke their hearts with the bat. He became only the third player in history to take a five-wicket haul and score a fifty with the bat in a pink-ball Test. Dilruvan Perera and Jason Holder are the other two players. He also became the second-oldest player in history to achieve the double against England.
Mitchell Starc's incredible performance at the Gabba has not only placed Australia on the cusp of a series-defining victory but has also cemented his place among the legends of the game. His ability to dominate with both bat and ball in a crucial Ashes Test is a testament to his immense talent and unwavering determination.
