Mitchell Starc has always thrived under the brightest lights of the Ashes, and on the opening day of the 2025–26 series in Perth, he delivered yet another reminder of why he remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket. With venomous swing, searing pace, and pinpoint accuracy, the Australian left-armer ripped through England’s top order, claiming his 100th Ashes wicket in unforgettable fashion.

A Milestone Wrapped in Mayhem

In just his 19th Ashes Test, Starc became only the fifth Australian bowler—and the fastest among his countrymen in terms of matches played—to reach the coveted 100-wicket mark against England. The landmark moment arrived when he trapped England captain Joe Root lbw for a golden duck, sending shockwaves through the visitors inside the first ten overs.

Before Root’s dismissal, Starc had already removed both openers—Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley—leaving England reeling at 3 down for almost nothing. The WACA pitch, known for its bounce and carry, turned into Starc’s personal playground as the white Kookaburra swung lavishly under lights.

Mitchell Starc has claimed his 100th wicket against England! #MilestoneMoment | #Ashes | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/vItwfdCK3X

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 21, 2025

Why Starc Remains the Ashes X-Factor

What makes Starc’s achievement even more remarkable is his ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure bilateral contests. While many modern pacers excel across formats, few have dominated the oldest rivalry in cricket quite like him. His 100 Ashes wickets have come at an average below 28, with a strike rate that reflects his wicket-taking menace rather than mere containment.

His slinging action, late inswing to right-handers, and ability to reverse the ball at high pace make him a nightmare on Australian soil. Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide have been his happy hunting grounds, and England batters have repeatedly found themselves undone by his lethal combination of speed and movement.

Root’s Nightmare Continues

For Joe Root, the dismissal marked another chapter in a difficult Ashes story against Starc. The England talisman has now been dismissed by the Australian paceman eight times in Test cricket—more than by any other bowler. Walking out to face a hat-trick ball under lights with the crowd roaring is pressure few can handle, and even a player of Root’s class couldn’t survive Starc’s magic on this occasion.

A Spearhead Still at the Peak

At 35, there were murmurs before the series about whether Starc still possessed the same fire. His response? Three wickets before England had reached double figures, and a roar that echoed around Perth Stadium as he held the ball aloft to celebrate his century of Ashes scalps.

As Australia look to reclaim the urn on home soil, they know they have a match-winner who rises when the stakes are highest. Mitchell Starc’s name is now permanently etched alongside McGrath, Johnson, and Lillee in Ashes folklore—and on this evidence, he’s not done adding to his legacy just yet.

Read Also: Crisis Mode: India’s Likely XI for Guwahati Test Without Shubman Gill and Axar Patel

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!