Mitchell Starc delivered a trademark fast-bowling performance in the fourth Ashes Test, finishing the match with five wickets, but his efforts ultimately proved insufficient as Australia failed to defend a target of 238, allowing England to secure a six-wicket victory and keep the series alive.
Starc was Australia’s standout bowler across the Test, consistently providing pace, aggression, and breakthroughs when his team needed them most. Bowling with his usual hostility, he extracted bounce and movement from the surface, troubling England’s batters in both innings. His left-arm angle posed questions throughout the match, particularly to England’s right-hand-heavy lineup, and his ability to swing the ball at high speed ensured Australia always had a wicket-taking option.
In the decisive fourth innings, Starc was once again Australia’s primary threat. With the new ball, he bowled sharp, attacking spells, regularly beating the bat and forcing cautious shot selection. He struck at key moments, removing set batters and briefly reigniting Australia’s hopes whenever England appeared to be settling. His energy and intent never dipped, even as the target steadily came down.
However, cricket is rarely a one-man contest, and Starc lacked the sustained support required to close out the game. While he created pressure from one end, England’s batters were able to manage the chase by targeting other bowlers and rotating the strike effectively. The absence of consistent breakthroughs from the rest of the attack meant England were able to rebuild after setbacks rather than spiral into collapse.
Australia’s bowling unit showed flashes of control, but not the collective relentlessness needed to defend a fourth-innings total. Missed opportunities also played their part. England capitalised on loose deliveries, and any slight lapse in line or length was punished, allowing the chase to remain on track. Starc’s wickets came as reminders of what was possible, but without a second bowler applying equal pressure, Australia struggled to sustain momentum.
Fielding standards, too, had an impact. While there were moments of sharp work, Australia failed to produce a decisive moment that could have shifted the match firmly back in their favour. In tight Test chases, one dropped chance or misfield can undo hours of disciplined bowling, and England ensured they made Australia pay for any lapse.
For Starc personally, the match reinforced his status as a big-game bowler. Finishing with five wickets in a Test that went down to the final day highlighted his ability to perform under pressure and lead the attack with pace and aggression. Yet it was also a frustrating outing — one where his contributions were not matched by the overall result.
From Australia’s perspective, the defeat will prompt reflection. Defending totals in Test cricket demands sustained pressure from multiple bowlers, particularly on the final day when batters are willing to grind. While Starc delivered his part, Australia were unable to apply the collective squeeze that has defined many of their Ashes successes.
As the series moves forward, Starc’s form remains a positive for Australia. His pace, durability, and wicket-taking threat continue to be central to their plans. But this match served as a clear reminder: even elite individual performances can fall short without consistent support. In this Test, Starc fought hard, but England’s composure and depth ultimately proved stronger.
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