Australia’s victory over England by five wickets in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) confirmed the 2025-26 Ashes series result in their favor: four wins, one loss. England had its batting in the second inning for 342 but left the Australians needing just 160 runs. The task was accomplished by wicketkeeper batter Alex Carey with the help of all-rounder Cameron Green, who moved Australia from the precarious position of 121-5 in 23.1 overs to the comfort of victory just before the Tea break.
Opening batsman Travis Head, who was the most aggressive of the lot, received ‘Player of the Match’ for his impressive 163 and 31 runs in the two innings. He was also supported by senior paceman Mithcell Starc, who claimed five wickets in the match, including the prized scalp of English openers, and of course, captain Ben Stokes.
Mitchell Starc finishes the Ashes with 31 wickets, claims this record
Legendary Australian fast bowler has become just one of five bowlers this century to take 30 or more wickets in an Ashes series.
After a fantastic 31 wickets in five matches during the 2025-26 home Ashes series at a low bowling average of 19.93, he has now joined Shane Warne (2005, 2001), Glenn McGrath (2001), and ex-teammate Mitchell Johnson (2013-14) in this elite group.
Let’s take a look at the five bowlers, all of them Australians, who shared the honor of being the highest wicket-takers in a single Ashes series in this century.
Wicket-takers in the 21st century Ashes series:
Bowlers Ashes Wickets
Shane Warne 2005 40
Mitchell Johnson
2013-14 37
Glenn McGrath 2001 32
Shane Warne 2001 31
Mitchell Starc 2025-26 31
During the 2025-26 Ashes, Mitchell Starc started with his career’s best spell of 7-58 at Optus stadium, Perth. He went on to take another six wickets in Brisbane and was also the Australian side’s top scorer along with his 77 runs when he led them to a 2-0 advantage after the first two matches.
Mitchell Starc claimed a total of 31 wickets at an average of 19.93 throughout the 2025-26 Ashes series consisting of five Test matches but 18 wickets were already his by the end of the first two matches.