Mitchell Starc has emphatically silenced any lingering critics, with his monumental performances in the recent Ashes series firmly etching his name into the pantheon of Australian cricket legends. The left-arm speedster's impact was so profound it has sparked debate over who should make way for the returning Josh Hazlewood, a testament to Starc's now-unassailable position.
A Series-Defining Impact
Starc's campaign was ignited from the very first ball at Edgbaston, where he clean-bowled England's opener Zak Crawley. This set the tone for a series where he was consistently Australia's most potent and threatening fast bowler. While Pat Cummins and Hazlewood offer metronomic control, Starc provides the explosive, match-turning spells that break games open.
His ability to strike with the new ball and, crucially, reverse the old ball made him indispensable. In the pivotal second Test at Lord's, Starc's stunning caught-and-bowled to dismiss Ben Stokes was a moment of individual brilliance that shifted momentum. He finished the series as the leading wicket-taker for Australia, with 23 wickets at an average of 27.08, underscoring his value as a wicket-taking force.
The Unanswerable Argument for Selection
For years, discussions around Australia's first-choice pace attack often hinged on a choice between Starc's raw aggression and Hazlewood's relentless accuracy. The 2023 Ashes has rendered that debate obsolete. Starc did not just participate; he dominated. His place is now unquestioned, turning the selection headache towards who partners him and Cummins when all are fit.
This represents a monumental shift in perception. Starc has transitioned from being seen by some as a luxury or a risk to being recognised as the essential X-factor. His career statistics, bolstered by this Ashes, now stand among the all-time greats of Australian fast bowling. He has taken 333 Test wickets and has been a cornerstone of Australia's success across all formats for over a decade.
Securing a Legacy Among the Greats
Beyond the numbers, Starc's Ashes performances have defined his legacy. He stepped up when his team needed him most, delivering under the intense pressure of cricket's oldest rivalry. His ability to produce magical deliveries at critical junctures has drawn comparisons to the game-changing feats of legends like Dennis Lillee and Glenn McGrath.
The series also showcased his improved consistency and smarter bowling, managing his spells effectively while still hunting for wickets. This maturity, combined with his innate talent for destruction, has created the complete fast-bowling package. His name is now irrevocably linked with Ashes glory and Australian cricket excellence.
Any past doubts about his temperament in the longest format have been completely erased. Mitchell Starc leaves England not just with the Ashes urn retained, but with his status as a true great of Australian sport unequivocally confirmed. The discussion is no longer about if he belongs among the legends, but about where he ranks among them.
