Australia’s star fast bowler Mitchell Starc has delivered one of the greatest bowling performances of his Test career, dominating England in the first Ashes Test 2025-26 at the Perth Stadium. Across both innings, Starc produced fiery spells, picked up crucial wickets, and created multiple historic records.
From the very first over, Starc looked dangerous. His lethal pace, bounce, and accuracy tore through England’s batting order, setting the tone for one of the most memorable Test performances of this Ashes era.
7 Wickets in First Innings – Career Best Figures
Starc was unstoppable in England’s first innings, taking 7/58, which is now his best-ever bowling performance in Test cricket. His victims included Jack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Mark Wood.
This was only the second time in his Test career that Starc took seven wickets in an innings, and the impact was immediate—England collapsed for just 172 runs.
Completes 200 Wickets in World Test Championship History
On Day 2, Starc achieved another milestone. When he dismissed Joe Root in England’s second innings, he became:
Only the 3rd bowler in WTC history to reach 200 wickets
Before Starc, only two bowlers had achieved this landmark:
- Nathan Lyon – 219 wickets
- Pat Cummins – 215 wickets
Mitchell Starc created history in the Perth Ashes Test by taking a brilliant 10-wicket match haul. With this performance, he became the first Australian fast bowler in 35 years to claim 10 wickets in an Ashes Test at home. Before him, only Craig McDermott had done this in the 1990/91 Ashes. Starc is now also the third left-arm pacer in Ashes history to take 10 or more wickets in a single Test.
Starc dominated England’s batting throughout the match. His swing and seam movement left the top order helpless. Joe Root struggled once again in Australia and got out cheaply in both innings. Starc also dismissed England captain Ben Stokes for the 10th time in Test cricket, proving he is Stokes’ biggest bowling challenge.
This match turned into one of Starc’s finest performances ever. He recorded his best Test innings figures of 7/58, completed 200 wickets in the World Test Championship, and delivered his third career 10-wicket haul. His spell not only broke multiple records but also reminded everyone why he is considered one of the best fast bowlers of this generation.
