How Mitchell Starc Mastered Both Bat and Ball to Crush England’s Hopes

Australia: The greatest source of despair for England’s touring side is the paradoxical ease with which Mitchell Starc batted against them, compared to the sheer difficulty his bowling has presented to their own lineup.

BBC Sport chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt notes that Starc is channeling the intimidating “vibes of fellow left-armer Mitchell Johnson,” who famously dismantled England during the 2013-14 Ashes. Johnson, too, was known for adding crucial, demoralizing runs with the bat.

Starc has shouldered immense responsibility in this Ashes series, particularly in the absence of key pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, and even picking up the slack in Brisbane after Nathan Lyon’s omission. His consistency with the ball has been unforgiving, highlighted by his figures of 6-75 in the first innings here at the Gabba.

However, it was his tactical performance with the bat that proved psychologically crippling.

Starc’s stay at the crease was critical not just for the 108 runs he added to Australia’s lead, but because it strategically pushed the beginning of England’s second innings closer to the twilight period the most dangerous time to bat under the lights in a day-night Test.

While England’s lower order has shown a penchant for aggression, Starc played a notably stoic, disciplined innings. His strike rate against the short ball (61) was deliberately subdued compared to his career average, while he ruthlessly punished fuller deliveries. This tactical restraint was designed to prolong the partnership and exploit the natural change in conditions.

Starc’s ability to dominate England’s top order with the ball and then demoralize their bowlers with the bat has made him the primary reason why England has failed to gain a foothold in the series. The challenge now for England is finding a way to neutralize the veteran pacer who seems to be improving with age.