Australia showed their strength at home once again, defeating their arch-rivals England to win the 2025-26 Ashes series 4-1. The Men in Yellow sealed the series with a five-wicket win in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday, January 8.

This is Australia’s fourth consecutive Ashesseries win at home, a streak that started with the famous 2013-14 series. Back then, the Michael Clarke-led team were at their best, handing England a 5-0 whitewash as they left Australia completely broken and defeated.

There are some patterns and similarities between the two series, which are 12 years apart. Here are five similarities between Australia’s wins in the Ashes 2025-26 and the 2013 series.

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1. A Left-Arm Pacer Leads the Wickets

The 2013-14 Ashes is remembered for Mitchell Johnson, who took 37 wickets at an average of 13.97. He troubled England throughout the series and finished as the leading wicket-taker, 15 wickets ahead of Ryan Harris. He was also named Player of the Series.

Similarly, Mitchell Starc led the 2025-26 Ashes with 31 wickets at an average of 19.93, finishing nine wickets ahead of Brydon Carse.

2. A Left-Handed Australian Opener Tops the Runs

In the 2013-14 Ashes, David Warner scored 523 runs at an average of 58.11, including two centuries and two fifties. He dominated the England bowlers.

In the 2025-26 series, Travis Head, who was not originally an opener, scored 629 runs in five Tests. He hit three centuries and ended as the top scorer of the series.

3. England Faces a No.3 Crisis

England’s success in Australia depends heavily on the No.3 batter. In 2013-14, Jonathan Trott left the tour early after scoring 10 and 9 in the first Test. Joe Root and, later, Ian Bell struggled in the role.

In the 2025-26 Ashes, Ollie Pope scored only 125 runs in three Tests. England then tried Jacob Bethell, who struggled at first but later scored a memorable century in Sydney.

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4. Hotspot and Snicko Issues

The 2025-26 Ashes saw several problems with the Decision Review System, especially Snicko, which caused confusion due to delayed or missing spikes.

Similar issues were seen in the 2013-14 series, including Joe Root’s controversial dismissal in Perth despite no clear evidence from Hotspot.

5. Veteran Retirements and England Coach Under Pressure

During the 2013-14 Ashes, Jonathan Trott and Graeme Swann retired during the series. England coach Andy Flower faced heavy criticism and later stepped down.

In the 2025-26 Ashes, veteran batter Usman Khawaja retired during the series due to injury. England coach Brendon McCullum is also under pressure after a poor campaign and questions over the ‘Bazball’ approach.

Australia retain Ashes 4-1 against England

The calendar year 2025 in Test cricket came to an end on Saturday, December 27, with the fourth Ashes Test at the MCG finishing inside two days. Australia, who currently lead the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, lost the final Test match of the year against England.

The year 2025 saw several players from different nations deliver outstanding performances in the longest format of the game. Bowlers, in particular, played a key role and consistently made an impact across conditions.

Here, we take a look at the Top 10 Test wicket-takers of 2025, highlighting the bowlers who dominated Test cricket throughout the year.

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10. Noman Ali

Pakistan spinner Noman Ali finished as the joint tenth-highest wicket-taker of 2025. He claimed 30 wickets in four matches, proving to be a key spin option for Pakistan, especially in testing home conditions.

9. Simon Harmer

Simon Harmer also picked up 30 wickets in four matches for South Africa in 2025. He enjoyed a stellar Test series in India, where he played a major role in helping the Proteas whitewash the hosts 2–0, making him South Africa’s find of the year.

8. Jasprit Bumrah

Despite limited appearances due to injuries and workload management, Jasprit Bumrah led India’s pace attack with authority. He finished the year with 31 wickets in eight matches, once again proving his consistency in the longest format.

7. Scott Boland

Scott Boland continued his impressive form for Australia, taking 32 wickets in six matches with his disciplined line and length. He also became the first bowler to take a hat-trick in a Day/Night Test during the year.

6. Josh Tongue

Josh Tongue’s rise in England’s bowling attack continued in 2025 as he claimed 33 wickets in six matches. His pace and bounce troubled batters, and he ended the year with a memorable five-wicket haul at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

5. Taijul Islam

Bangladesh leaned heavily on Taijul Islam, who finished with 33 wickets in six matches. His accuracy and control made him the team’s most reliable bowler throughout the year.

4. Ben Stokes

England Test captain Ben Stokes carried much of the team’s responsibility, ending 2025 with 33 wickets from nine matches. Many of his wickets came in crucial moments when England needed breakthroughs.

3. Blessing Muzarabani

Blessing Muzarabani emerged as a major force for Zimbabwe, taking 42 wickets in 10 matches across different conditions.

2. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj delivered a standout year for India, finishing with 43 wickets in 10 matches. His impact was especially strong in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy, where he played all five Tests despite fitness issues.

1. Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc finished 2025 as the leading Test wicket-taker, claiming 55 wickets in 11 matches. Leading Australia’s attack during the Ashes, he once again showed why he remains one of the world’s best fast bowlers.

In the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions, we have witnessed numerous huge bids that have stunned the cricket world. We have experienced something spicy in every IPL auction, while the recent auctions produced some record-breaking bids that put the marks in the list of the most expensive IPL players. 

Most expensive players in the history of IPL

Rishabh Pant (INR 27 Cr)

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant created history when Lucknow Super Giants bought him for INR 27 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. Without a doubt, Pant was selected as the captain of the team then, while the previous captain, KL Rahul, had already been released. 

Shreyas Iyer (INR 26.75 Cr)

The IPL 2024 winning captain Shreyas Iyer became the most expensive player in IPL auction history when Punjab Kings secured the Indian cricketer for INR 26.75 crore during the mega auction for IPL 2025. However, in that same auction, Rishabh Pant broke that record. 

Cameron Green (INR 25.2 Cr)

Australian all-rounder Cameron Green now holds the record for the most expensive player in IPL mini-auction history as well as the Cameron Green sold to Kolkata Knight Riders for this price during IPL 2026 auction. In the mini auction for the IPL 2026, the three-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders bought Green for INR 25.20 crore. 

Mitchell Starc (INR 24.75 Cr)

Before Cameron Green, Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc held the record for the most expensive overseas player in IPL auction history, which was also then the most expensive buy in IPL auction history, when Kolkata Knight Riders won the bid for him for INR 24.75 crore during the IPL 2024 mini auction.

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Venkatesh Iyer (INR 23.75 Cr)

In the IPL 2025 mega auction, the Indian all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer was successfully bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 23.75 crore. From 2021 to 2025, he served for KKR before Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured him ahead of the IPL 2026 season. 

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi is all set to play for Brisbane Heat in the upcoming Big Bash League season (BBL 2025-26). Ahead of the stint with the Aussie franchise, Afridi faced multiple questions related to star Australia pacer Mitchell Starc.

In the ongoing Ashes 2025-26, when Australia and England were engaged in a pink ball Test, Starc created history. As a left-arm pacer, he became the most successful pacer of Test cricket, surpassing Pakistan legend Wasim Akram. Despite the historic feat, Starc said that Akram still is the best.

While speaking with Kayo Sports, Afridi claimed that they had conversations when Pakistan faced Australia in the past. According to him, Starc is a legend as well as a role model for young cricketers.

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Shaheen Afridi reveals how Mitchell Starc helped him to improve his bowling

Shaheen Shah Afridi on Mitchell Starc ❤️pic.twitter.com/yVvNmrNAlU

— junaiz (@dhillow_) December 10, 2025

"Whenever we played against Australia, we had a very good chat. He is a legend, and last time when we met, I told him that I watched your 2015 World Cup bowling spell. He is a world-class bowler. He is a role model for any youngster. He still bowls in the 140+ range; he recently crossed Wasim Akram's record. He has been the best for Australia for many years," Afridi said.

After that, the pacer said how the experienced Aussie seamer influenced him in the past. Influenced by Starc, Afridi started to bowl fuller against the batters.

"When Mitchell Starc played that 2015 World Cup, I played Under-16 cricket for Pakistan. I follow him and try to bowl like him many times," he further added.

Brisbane Heat squad for BBL 2025-26:

Max Bryant, Lachlan Hearne, Usman Khawaja, Colin Munro, Marnus Labuschagne, Matt Renshaw, Nathan McSweeney, Michael Neser, Callum Vidler, Ollie Patterson, Hugh Weibgen, Jack Wildermuth, Tom Alsop, Jimmy Pierson, Shaheen Afridi, Spencer Johnson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Xavier Bartlett.

The left-arm pacer of the Australian side, Mitchell Starc, has picked his three favorite and best players with whom he shared the dressing room. He made a special mention of the former national team captain, Ricky Ponting, with whom he was amazed to be part of the team, even for a small period.

Starc started with the former South Africa captain and the wicket-keeper batter, Ab de Villiers, who was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) when Starc shared the dressing room for a couple of seasons. He reflected on sharing a good friendship with him.

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“I am going to start with AB de Villiers. Didn’t spend a lot of time, but I was there for a couple of years in IPL in the same team. Got to play a lot against him, but it was really fortunate to play a few seasons with him at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and built a friendship and relationship with him.” Starc expressed in a video that has gone viral on social media platforms.

Watch: Mitchell Starc picks Virat Kohli among his three best cricketers he has played with in his career

Starc has hit the headlines currently with his 10-wicket haul in the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, besides collecting six wickets in the second fixture at the Gabba in the day-night pink ball Test.

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“Number two is Steve Smith. I have spent almost the same period and most of the time with Steve, and I am very fortunate to play with him for most of the same teams. It’s lucky that I didn’t have to play any professional cricket against him because he is such an amazing player for Australia and any color he takes into. His cricket knowledge has been amazing.” Starc is addressed in the video.

“Number one will be Virat Kohli. The same few years when I was with Ab, the one right next door was Ab. To get to see his preparation and the way he dominated was cool. He is another player with whom I had so many battles over the years, and it was really cool to work with him for a couple of seasons.” The left-arm pacer of Australia concluded.

Mitchell Starc believes that Pakistan legend Wasim Akram is still “the pinnacle” of left-arm pace bowling. Starc surpassed Akram on Day 1 of the 2nd Test of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 at The Gabba by taking 6 wickets in a 19-over spell. With the 6 scalps, the Australian pacer is the most successful left-arm pacer in Test cricket.

Starc rewrote history during the second session when he dismissed Harry Brook. Akram, widely known as the 'Sultan of Swing', took 414 wickets in 104 Test matches, while Starc now has 418 wickets in 102 matches. On Day 1 of the ongoing Australia vs England day-night Test, the Aussie pacer removed Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, and Brydon Carse in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. After the first Test of the series, Cummins and Hazlewood are out of the Gabba Test because of injury concerns. Akram himself congratulated Starc for his historic feat.

The former Pakistan international wrote from his 'X' account, "Super Starc! Proud of you, mate; it was only a matter of time before you crossed my tally of wickets. Go well and keep soaring."

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Mitchell Starc named the best left-arm pacer over himself

During the post-match press conference, a journalist asked Starc if he is now the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in Tests. Denying the label, the 35-year-old chose to stay humble and kept Akram ahead of him. According to him, Wasim Akram is still better than him.

"I'll reflect on it later. Wasim is still the pinnacle left-armer. I think he's still better. I get asked all the time; I still don't know. It is what it is. I think it's still like a white ball. Today, it was a softball. A couple of Yorkshiremen, runs and wickets. Joe's batted well there. A pretty tough day's cricket. I think once that ball goes soft, it's not the easiest thing to score with. It's certainly not the easiest thing to bowl with when it's soft. Proper Test cricket. Pink ball, 9 for 320, pretty solid day's Test cricket," Starc said this in the press conference.

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Mitchell Starc was flying with the new ball at the Gabba on Day 1 of the 2nd Test match of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26. The pacer claimed the first wicket in the very first over of the match in the form of England opener Ben Duckett (0). Starc, in his 2nd over of the spell, clinched the wicket of Ollie Pope. Like Duckett, Pope also lost his wicket for a duck.

After winning the toss, England skipper Ben Stokes chose to bat first, and they were down by 2 men for only 5 runs in 2.3 overs because of Mitchell Starc. He bowled out Pope with a jaffa and took the wicket of the opener, Duckett, with the help of Marnus Labuschagne, who was standing at the slip cordon. With the wicket of Ollie Pope, strengthen his record in the pink ball (day-night test).

He is the bowler with the most wickets in the day-night Test cricket category and tops the list of the bowlers who took the most wickets against a single opponent with a pink ball. In the list of bowlers with the most wickets against a single team in pink-ball tests, Starc broke his own record. And if we talk about the most successful bowler in the pink ball Test, then he is miles ahead of his countryman Pat Cummins, who is second on the list. Nathan Lyon, a spinner and another Australian bowler, is third in the list.

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List of bowlers with the most wickets against a single team in pink-ball tests

• 20* - Mitchell Starc vs England
• 17 - Starc vs West Indies
• 16 - Shamar Joseph vs Australia
• 16 - Alzarri Joseph vs Australia

List of highest wicket takers in Pink Ball Test

The former England pacer, Stuart Broad, was in tears when he saw his team crumbling before the expressive pace of Mitchell Starc during their second innings with the bat in the opening Ashes 2025/26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. England were 99 runs ahead with one down heading into the lunch break, but they lost nine wickets for 105 runs. 

The camera cut to Stuart Broad in the commentary box, whose expression captured the weight of Root’s fall as he rubbed his eyes and pressed his lip in disbelief, and showed visible frustration. The former Australian opening batter, Matthew Hayden, grinned at Broad as they realized the shift of momentum with Australia taking full control in the fixture.

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Australia were bundled out for 132 in the first innings as the visitors enjoyed a lead of 40 runs. But England lost their opener Zak Crawley in the fifth ball of the opening over in the third innings. Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett posted a fine fifty-run stand for the second wicket before the disaster.

Watch: Stuart Broad shocked and in tears to see England’s struggle during Ashes 2025/26 Perth Test

The first of the struggle was when Duckett got an outside edge into the hands of the slip fielder, Steve Smith, while Scott Boland removed Pope, who went for a flashing drive away from his body and edged it into the hands of the wicket-keeper, Alex Carey.

Stuart Broad and Matthew Hayden are getting along brilliantly 😭#Ashes https://t.co/QyAAUQxrW8 pic.twitter.com/qYYr2iMNey

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 2025

The new batter, Harry Brook, on a three-ball duck, went for another massive drive to Boland, who was caught in the slip region, while Joe Root, on 2, got an inside edge into the stumps against Mitchell Starc as the tourists lost four wickets in 11 runs.

Jamie Smith was next to follow in a controversial way of dismissal when he gloved the leg-side ball into the hands of the wicket-keeper before they got bundled out for 164. Travis Head’s 73 runs in 55 balls for Australia also killed the target as they raced away to 111/1 in the 205-run chase.

Ten-wicket haul for Mitchell Starc. He completed his 10-wicket figure in the ongoing 1st Test of The Ashes 2025-26 at the Optus Stadium in Perth by dismissing England skipper Ben Stokes in the second innings.

Starc took 3 wickets in the second innings to go with the first innings' 7-wicket figure. Without the services of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Australia's bowling attack looked like a well-oiled machine mostly because of Mitchell Starc. In the second phase of the match, the pacer took the scalps of Zak Crawley, Joe Root, and Stokes. In the first phase, Starc got the wickets of Crawley, Ben Duckett, Root, Stokes, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, and Mark Wood. The pitch of the Optus Stadium makes it more spicy.

None of the teams, despite having good batting power on paper, were not able to get near the 200-run mark. England went to bat first and registered 172 runs. The run on the scoreboard might have looked easy to overtake, but in reality, fiery spells from Jofra Archer and Mark Wood set the stage to make them believe they can protect their first-innings run.

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Mitchell Starc dismissed Ben Stokes and completed 10-wicket figure

Archer and Brydon Carse made the Australian top order shrink quickly, and then it was the moment for Stokes, who took 5 wickets. Australia bundled for only 132 in their first innings. In the second innings, England came to bat with a narrow lead on hand. Duckett and Ollie Pope were batting well. Starc and, surprisingly, Scott Boland cut their momentum short. Starc took 3, and Boland took 4. Debutant pacer Brendan Doggett also snatched 3 wickets in the process.

10 wickets for the match!

Magnificent, Mitch Starc.#Ashes | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/mMznMiumtS

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2025

England, in their second innings, collected only 164; Australia has to score 205 runs to win the opening match of The Ashes 2025-26.