Australia has emphatically wrapped up the Ashes summer with a commanding 4-1 series victory over England, with two superstars, Mitchell Starc and Travis Head, delivering performances that towered above the rest.
Series Standouts and Struggles
Mitchell Starc was deservedly crowned Player of the Series for a phenomenal bowling display, claiming 31 wickets at an average of 19.93. His efforts included passing Wasim Akram to become Test cricket's most prolific left-arm paceman. Travis Head was a close contender for the honour, amassing a series-high 629 runs at an average of 62.90, including three crucial centuries that set the tone for Australia's dominance.
At the other end of the scale, allrounder Cameron Green endured a difficult series, managing only 171 runs and four wickets, leaving his position under scrutiny. His struggles were highlighted by Beau Webster's impressive sole Test appearance, where he outperformed Green with both bat and ball.
Australian Player Report Card
Travis Head (10/10) was the undisputed batting kingpin. Forced to open, he scored 229 more runs than any other player in the series, setting the agenda with centuries in Perth and Adelaide before notching his first Test ton at the SCG.
Mitchell Starc (10/10) was the attack's linchpin, weaponising the new ball and striking in the first over of an innings on four separate occasions. He also contributed valuable lower-order runs with two half-centuries.
Alex Carey (9/10) haunted England with a record-equalling 28 dismissals as wicketkeeper and a vital century on his home deck in Adelaide.
Steve Smith (7.5/10) captained the side and saved his best for the SCG, scoring a heroic 37th Test century. He was also a slip-catching magnet, taking 14 catches for the series.
Other notable contributors included Michael Neser (7.5/10), who took 15 wickets in three Tests, and Scott Boland (6.5/10), who dismissed England's Harry Brook four times. Pat Cummins (6/10) was excellent in his one match back from injury, but was rested for the final two Tests.
Opener Jake Weatherald (4.5/10) had a mixed debut series, while Usman Khawaja (4.5/10) underwhelmed in his final Test summer. Marnus Labuschagne (6/10) made starts but couldn't convert, though his fielding was excellent.
England's Tour of Woe
For England, only Joe Root (7.5/10) consistently shone with the bat, finally scoring a century in Australia at the Gabba and adding another in Sydney for a total of 400 runs.
Ben Stokes (6/10) battled hard as captain, grinding out fighting half-centuries and taking a brilliant 5-23 in Perth, but was often let down by his teammates.
Youngster Jacob Bethell (7/10) was a shining light, scoring a brilliant 154 in Sydney to offer hope for the future.
However, the tour was defined by underperformance. Opener Ben Duckett (2/10) encapsulated England's muddled approach, while Ollie Pope (2/10) was dropped after three Tests. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith (4/10) had a miserable tour with both gloves and bat.
With the ball, Josh Tongue (7/10) impressed late with 18 wickets, and Brydon Carse (6/10) was erratic but finished as England's second-leading wicket-taker. The much-anticipated returns of Jofra Archer (6/10) and Mark Wood (2/10) were cut short by injury.
Series Secured With Authority
The comprehensive scoreline reflects Australia's dominance across the five Tests. Key moments included Head's series-defining century in the first Test in Perth, Carey's match-sealing ton in Adelaide, and Starc's relentless wicket-taking throughout. Despite England managing a lone victory in Melbourne, Australia's firepower with bat and ball, led by their two superstars, proved far too consistent over the course of the summer, securing the urn in convincing fashion.
