Mitchell Starc officially makes Joe Root his bunny as Australia KILL Bazball at the Gabba in Ashes
Mitchell Starc Continues to Trouble Joe Root in Ashes 2025-26 Series
In the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series, Australia’s left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has proven to be a thorn in the side of former England captain Joe Root. Root, a right-handed batsman, has been dismissed by Starc in all three of his innings so far in the series. Despite scoring an unbeaten century in the first innings in Brisbane, Root has struggled to face the veteran fast bowler.
England’s Collapse in Second Innings
During England’s second innings, the team made a promising start with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett putting up a partnership of 45 runs before dinner on Day 3. However, the visitors faced a collapse, going from 90/1 to 128/6 within 32.3 overs. Starc, along with Scott Boland and Michael Neser, each picked up two wickets in the innings.
Starc’s Dominance Over Root
Mitchell Starc once again showcased his prowess by removing Joe Root for the third time in the series. The dismissal came after a successful review of a caught-behind appeal. Root attempted to drive a full delivery from around the wicket but got a faint outside edge, leading to his dismissal for just 15 runs. The Australian team was energized by the crucial breakthrough provided by Starc.
Historical Rivalry Between Starc and Root
Starc’s success against Root is not a new phenomenon, as the Australian pacer has now dismissed the former England captain a total of 11 times in Test cricket. Root has faced 694 deliveries from Starc, managing to score 378 runs at an average of 34.36. This rivalry places Starc among the top bowlers who have troubled Root in Tests, alongside Pat Cummins and Jasprit Bumrah.
Glenn McGrath’s Analysis
Former Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath weighed in on Starc’s impressive performance, noting the challenging conditions with the ball moving off the pitch. McGrath highlighted Starc’s bowling intensity, reaching speeds of around 145 kph. He also observed a shift in England’s body language throughout the match, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positivity and readiness in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, Mitchell Starc’s continued success against Joe Root in the Ashes series has been a significant storyline, showcasing the intense competition between the two players. As the series progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters between these two cricketing heavyweights.
Starc’s Strategic Approach
One of the key elements of Mitchell Starc’s success against Joe Root is his strategic approach to bowling. Starc has shown a remarkable ability to exploit Root’s weaknesses by consistently attacking the off-stump line, forcing Root into playing shots that are not his natural game. By maintaining a disciplined line and length, Starc has been able to build pressure on Root, leading to his dismissals in crucial moments of the game.
Root’s Response to Starc’s Challenge
Despite struggling against Mitchell Starc in the ongoing series, Joe Root remains a resilient batsman with a proven track record of success. As England’s most reliable batsman, Root is known for his ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver match-winning performances. Root will be looking to make the necessary adjustments in his technique and approach to counter Starc’s threat in the remaining matches of the series.
The Impact of Starc’s Performance on the Ashes Series
Mitchell Starc’s dominance over Joe Root has not only put England under pressure but has also had a significant impact on the overall dynamics of the Ashes series. Starc’s ability to consistently trouble one of England’s best batsmen has forced the visitors to rethink their strategies and game plans. As a key bowler for Australia, Starc’s form has given the home team a crucial advantage in their quest to regain the Ashes urn.
Starc’s Evolution as a Bowler
Over the years, Mitchell Starc has evolved into one of the most formidable fast bowlers in international cricket. Known for his raw pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, Starc has developed a wide range of skills that make him a potent threat to any batting lineup. His consistency in line and length, coupled with his ability to generate late swing, has made him a nightmare for batsmen around the world.
Root-Starc Rivalry: A Test of Skill and Character
The ongoing battle between Joe Root and Mitchell Starc is not just a contest of skill but also a test of character. Both players have shown determination and resilience in their respective roles, with Root striving to overcome Starc’s bowling prowess, and Starc aiming to maintain his dominance over one of the world’s best batsmen. This rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue and intensity to an already fiercely contested Ashes series.
Looking Ahead: Anticipated Showdowns
As the Ashes series progresses, all eyes will be on the anticipated showdowns between Mitchell Starc and Joe Root. Cricket fans around the world will be eager to see how Root responds to the challenge posed by Starc and whether the Australian pacer can continue his impressive run of form. With both players at the top of their game, the upcoming matches promise to deliver thrilling cricketing action and intense battles between two of the sport’s finest talents.
In summary, Mitchell Starc’s consistent success against Joe Root in the Ashes series highlights the fierce competition and strategic battles that define Test cricket. As the series unfolds, the performances of these two players will continue to shape the outcome of the matches and add to the rich legacy of the Ashes rivalry.


