Australians are very fond of retaining The Ashes, they are extremely fond of doing so at home; however, there is a rather unpalatable reality that lies beneath the celebratory champagne toasts in Adelaide – for Australia have not won an Ashes series in England since 2001 – which equates to nearly 26 years of close calls, moral victories and the dubious concept of retaining the ashes due to weather conditions.
The Ashes Problem Australia Can’t Ignore
Although retaining the urn is very different than winning the Ashes series, it is evident that the past two tours for the Australians (in 2019 and 2023) both finished with the same score of 2-2; and although statistically it was a tie, there were obviously many other issues that had developed during the tours. In the 2023 tour, Australia was able to build up an early 2-0 lead before losing the matches at Headingley and The Oval on narrow margins and after their players had tired.
For all the talk of mental toughness, Australia’s fast bowlers have historically struggled with the English grind: soft dukes’ balls, unresponsive pitches, and relentless over-rates. Winning in England demands stamina as much as speed, something Australia hasn’t consistently sustained across five Tests.
Why Starc’s Career Choices Suddenly Matter
Starc’s retirement from international T20 cricket in September wasn’t sentimental; it was surgical. He’s engineered his workload with one goal in mind: prolonging his Test career. Skipping franchise tournaments has kept his body fresher than his peers of similar age, a rare advantage in modern cricket.
At a time when fast bowlers are treated like fragile assets, Starc has gone old-school. Bowl long spells. Play full summers. Trust durability over rotation. In an era of rest-and-rotate, Starc has chosen resist-and-endure.
Age Is a Number: Overs Are the Real Enemy
No Australian quick has played Test cricket at 37 or beyond since Ray Lindwall in 1960. Yet Starc’s physical data suggests he may be the exception. Ironically, he currently looks the fittest of Australia’s “big four.”
- Pat Cummins will be 34, almost certain to tour.
- Josh Hazlewood, 36, remains elite but increasingly injury-prone.
- Scott Boland, potentially 38, boasts a freakish 18.27 Test average impossible to ignore.
- Nathan Lyon, turning 40, faces the most uncertainty following a torn hamstring.
In contrast, Starc’s body has been preserved with monk-like discipline. Fewer formats. Fewer distractions. More Tests.
The Tactical Edge Starc Still Offers England
Left-arm pace has always troubled England from Wasim Akram to Mitchell Johnson. Starc’s angle, late swing, and ability to reverse the old ball give Australia something England can’t replicate domestically.
In 2023, he often bowled without full support from the rest of the attack, yet still led Australia’s wicket charts. In English conditions, where variety trumps velocity, Starc’s evolving skillset may age better than raw pace ever could.
Whether he makes it to 2027 isn’t just about age. It’s about Australia deciding whether experience is a liability or the missing ingredient. If Starc’s body holds, and his discipline continues, England may yet face an Australian attack led not by youth but by unfinished ambition.
Key Takeaway
Australia won’t win the 2027 Ashes in England with fresh legs alone; they’ll need Starc’s long memory.
FAQs
- What makes Mitchell Starc crucial for the 2027 Ashes?
His left-arm variety, durability, and proven record in high-pressure Tests.
- Why hasn’t Australia won an Ashes series in England since 2001?
Inability to sustain bowling intensity across five Tests in English conditions.
- How has Starc extended his Test career?
By skipping franchise T20 leagues and prioritizing workload management.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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