Australia's Mitchell Starc steals the show on Day 3 of the Ashes, showcasing his all-round talent. But is his performance a surprise?
On a thrilling Day 3 of the second Ashes test, Australia's Mitchell Starc, renowned for his bowling prowess, turned the tables and dominated with the bat. This unexpected twist in his game left England's bowlers in disarray, extending Australia's lead to a commanding 116 runs.
The drama unfolded in Brisbane on Saturday, December 5, 2025, as Starc, who had already taken 16 wickets in the series, stepped up to bat in the fourth over. With a 54-run partnership behind him, Starc was determined to make his mark. And make it he did! He remained unbeaten on 46, while his partner, Scott Boland, contributed seven not out, leaving Australia at 450-8 at the long interval.
The day began with Australia resuming at 378-6, already with a 44-run lead. Alex Carey, who scored 63, and Michael Neser (16) set the tone, but it was Starc who stole the show. He and Carey added 33 runs to the total before Carey's dismissal, pushing Australia past the 400-run mark.
And here's where it gets intriguing... Despite England's bowlers having the upper hand on Day 2, they couldn't maintain their momentum. Starc, in a display of tactical brilliance, batted for time, frustrating the English attack. He consistently took singles, keeping the strike and protecting Boland from the new ball.
Starc's back-to-back boundaries against Carse were a highlight, pushing Australia's lead beyond 100. He finished the session in style, hitting the last ball for three runs, ensuring Australia's dominance and his own striking position in the middle session.
This performance raises an interesting question: Is Starc's all-round skill a rare gem or a sign of a new era in cricket? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
