Ashes 2025-26: Fans erupt as Mitchell Starc’s all-round heroics helps Australia thrash England in the Gabba Test

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Australia produced a ruthless performance at The Gabba, storming to a 8-wicket win over England on Day 4 of the second Ashes Test and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2025-26 series. Despite a spirited English resistance in their second innings, the modest fourth-innings chase was never going to trouble the hosts, who wrapped up the match with ease. The victory not only showcased Australia’s depth and discipline but also highlighted the brilliance of Mitchell Starc, whose all-round display turned the contest decisively in favour of the home side.

Starc was the heartbeat of Australia’s triumph, delivering one of the finest Test performances of his decorated career. His influence stretched across both innings, earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.

After England posted 334 in their first innings, Australia mounted a powerful reply, piling up a formidable 511. While Australia’s top and middle order chipped in with consistent contributions, it was Starc who stole the show with the bat. Walking in during a critical phase, he launched a counterattacking assault that stunned the visitors. His knock of 77 was the highest individual score of the innings, an innings decorated with crisp stroke-making and fearless intent.

Starc’s innings complemented a string of half-centuries from the Australian lineup, featuring Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), Alex Carey (63), and Steve Smith (61). Their collective effort gave Australia a commanding 177-run lead—one that would eventually prove decisive.

If Starc’s batting surprised England, his bowling dismantled them. In the first innings, the left-arm pacer unleashed a fiery spell, swinging and seaming the ball dangerously to register figures of 6/75. He repeatedly broke partnerships at crucial moments, ensuring England never built sustained momentum.

Starc continued his dominance in the second innings as well, picking up 2/64 and delivering hostile bursts that rattled England’s middle order. His ability to strike early and return later with equal venom showcased his unmatched skill and fitness, reinforcing why he remains one of the most feared pacers in Test cricket.

Facing a massive deficit, England showed glimpses of resilience in their second innings. They battled their way to 241, thanks to several gritty contributions, but the total was far from enough to challenge Australia. Despite their improved application, the visitors were always under pressure, and Australia’s disciplined attack ensured wickets arrived at regular intervals.

Set just 65 runs to win, Australia’s openers wasted no time asserting control. They cruised to 33/0 by the dinner break and returned to polish off the remaining runs. Though the Aussies lost Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne in the process but eventually registered a dominating victory by 8 wickets with captain Steve Smith finishing the game by smashing a six.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26 – Will Jacks takes a screamer to send Steve Smith back on Day 2 of the Pink-Ball Test

Australia take a 2-0 lead in the series.

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 7, 2025

– can bowl – can bat – can field – can perform on big stages

What a legend of the game . Mitchell Starc The GOAT 🐐.

— Rafi (@rafi4999) December 6, 2025

mitchell starc winning the test cricketer of the year will be poetic justice. always chose his country over money, retired from t20is to focus on tests. man is grinding so much even in the last phase of his career 🩷

— И (@lbdablu) December 6, 2025

Archer & Smith 👀#ashes25

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 7, 2025

Can bat like Don BradmanCan bowl like Sir Curtly AmbroseCan field like Jonty RhodesCan clutch like Hardik PandyaHumble like Rahul DravidAura like Virat Kohli

That’s Sir Mitchell Starc for you 🐐

— 𝚅𝚊𝚛𝚞𝚗¹⁸ (@varunx18) December 7, 2025

Just take every award you have and give it to Mitchell Starc already. He's finished this series in 6 days when Australia were supposed to be at their weakest. England are like a wet tissue paper. So weak and frail. Even the West Indies competed better in Australia. Pakistan was…

— Nikhil Mehra (@TweetinderKaul) December 7, 2025

Nathan Lyon watching his replacement Neser getting a fifer along with making important runs and partnership with Mitchell Starc #Ashes2025 #ashes25 #AUSvsENG

— The last dance (@26lastdance) December 7, 2025

One of my favourite things about the Ashes is the commentary footage… but my first has to be Mitchell Starc!! Bat and ball… he is amazing

— Alex Bailey (@abails86) December 7, 2025

Australia should have had Mitchell Starc come out and open this run chase on his own. 💪😂 #Ashes2025 #Ashes #Cricket

— Marcus Ryan (@itsmarcusryan) December 7, 2025

Australia's battling lineup.. put Mitchell Starc on the number 1.

— Noel Bibito (@bibito86823) December 7, 2025

Magnificent cricketer of Australia Mitchell Starc 🇭🇲 https://t.co/7Yu5CUuPbd

— Ahad Hasan (@iahad_27) December 7, 2025

England, it is not in your power to win a Test series in Australia. You should go to Zimbabwe, Netherlands, Pakistan, West Indies and show your strength there. #AUSvENG #ashes25 #Gabba #BenStokes

— The Story Vault (@RealtyCheck09) December 7, 2025

HahahaEngland are still shite. #Gabba

— Mark Simpson (@iMARKSIMPSON) December 7, 2025

This Ashes is getting over sooner than expected. Bazball hype getting busted.

On ground no real preparation just a facade. These English cricketers are the most overrated cricketers you will find.#Ashes2025 #AUSvENG #Gabba #AusvsEng #CricketTwitter

— Jim Moriarty (@moriartyjim100) December 7, 2025

Did the English come to these shores saying they were facing the weakest #Ashes Aussie side in 15 years? #AUSvENG

— Break a leg (@JeSeGrey) December 7, 2025

Can't batCan't bowl Can't catchCan't use their brains Won't change

Sums up England Cricket #Ashes #BBCCricket

— Jules (@julescamoore) December 7, 2025

Australia go 2-0 up in the Ashes as England suffer another humiliating loss.#Ashes2025

— Faraz Hashmi (@faraz_h24) December 7, 2025

Bloody love Steve Smith #Ashes

— Kath (@Kathblue) December 7, 2025

Australia 🇦🇺 should cancel the rest of the Ashes and invite Virat Kohli & co for a make shift 15-match ODI series instead.

— Broken Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken) December 7, 2025

MOOD.

2-0.

Up the Aussies.#Ashes

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) December 7, 2025

England absolutely humiliated🔥

2-0 down after two 8-wicket spankings — Bazball’s dead, Smith owning as stand-in skipper

#Ashes

— PeakyFookingBlinders🪽 (@FookingPeaky) December 7, 2025

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Here’s the reason behind Steve Smith wearing black tape in the Gabba Test vs England