Ashes 2025-26: Fans erupt as Mitchell Starc heroics help Australia beat England in Gabba Test

Australia produced a ruthless performance at The Gabba, securing an 8 wicket victory against England on the fourth day of the second Ashes Test and taking a 2-0 lead in the 2025-26 series. Despite stiff English resistance in their second innings, the modest run in the fourth innings 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 Starcwhose overall performance turned the competition decisively in favor of the home team.

Mitchell Starc steals the show with phenomenal all-round display

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

After England posted 334 runs in their first innings, Australia responded strongly, accumulating a formidable 511. While Australia’s top and middle orders chipped in with consistent contributions, it was Starc who stole the show with the bat. Entering a critical phase, he launched a counterattack which stunned the visitors. His shot of 77 was the highest individual score of the round, a round decorated with crisp strokes and fearless intent.

Starc’s innings completes the Australian side’s run of half-centuries, with Jake Weatherald (72), Marnus Labuschagne (65), Alex Carey (63 years old) and Steve Smith (61 years old). Their collective effort gave Australia a lead of 177 points, a lead that would ultimately prove decisive.

Starc’s bowling masterclass breaks England’s resistance

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 record figures of 6/75. He repeatedly broke partnerships at crucial moments, ensuring that England never managed to build lasting momentum.

Starc continued his dominance in the second innings as well, collecting 2/64 and delivering hostile bursts that shook England’s middle order. His ability to strike early and come back later with the same venom showcased his unrivaled skills and fitness, reinforcing why he remains one of the most feared pacers in Test cricket.

Australia’s comfortable chase seals the match

Facing a huge deficit, England showed glimpses of their resilience in their second innings. They fought their way to 241, thanks to several courageous contributions, but the total was nowhere near enough to challenge Australia. Despite their improved application, the visitors were still under pressure and Australia’s disciplined attack ensured wickets arrived at regular intervals.

With just 65 runs to spare, the Australian openers wasted no time in taking control. They reached 33/0 at the dinner break and came back to complete the remaining races. Even though the Australians lost Travis head And Marnus Labuschagne in the process but ultimately recorded a dominant victory by 8 wickets with captain Steve Smith end the game by smashing a six.

ALSO WATCH: Ashes 2025-26 – Will Jacks takes a shout out to dismiss Steve Smith on Day 2 of the Pink-Ball Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

Australia takes a 2-0 series lead. pic.twitter.com/DO0IeRo64O

– England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 7, 2025

– can play bowling
– can beat
– can field
– can perform on large stages

What a gaming legend.
Mitchell Starc The GOAT 🐐. pic.twitter.com/6Bom7SUl0E

– Rafi (@rafi4999) December 6, 2025

Mitchell Starc winning the Test cricketer of the year will be poetic justice. always chose country over money, retired from 20s to focus on testing. the man works so much even in the last phase of his career 🩷

– and (@lbdablu) December 6, 2025

Archer and Smith 👀#ashes25 pic.twitter.com/Rrdy5DxNZm

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

Can hit like Don Bradman
Can bowl like Sir Curtly Ambrose
Can play like Jonty Rhodes
Can hang like Hardik Pandya
Humble like Rahul Dravid
Will have like Virat Kohli

That’s Sir Mitchell Starc for you 🐐 pic.twitter.com/RptDAwUQ24

– 𝚅𝚊𝚛𝚞𝚗¹⁸ (@varunx18) December 7, 2025

Just take all the awards you have and give them to Mitchell Starc already. He finished this series in 6 days when Australia was supposed to be at their weakest. England is like wet tissue paper. So weak and fragile. Even the West Indies competed better in Australia. Pakistan was…

– Nikhil Mehra (@TweetinderKaul) December 7, 2025

Nathan Lyon watches his replacement Neser get a fife while making important runs and partnership with Mitchell Starc #Cendres2025 #ashes25 #AUSvsENG

pic.twitter.com/ZzLPJWzZgd

— The Last Dance (@26lastdance) December 7, 2025

One of my favorite things about the Ashes is the commentary sequences… but my first one has to be Mitchell Starc!! Bat and ball…he’s amazing

-Alex Bailey (@abails86) December 7, 2025

Australia should have asked Mitchell Starc to come out and open that run chase himself. 💪😂 #Cendres2025 #Ashes #Cricket

–Marcus Ryan (@itsmarcusryan) December 7, 2025

Australia’s fighting lineup… places Mitchell Starc at number 1.

– Noël Bibito (@bibito86823) December 7, 2025

Magnificent cricketer from 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, the Netherlands, Pakistan, the West Indies and show your strength there. #AUSvENG #ashes25 #Gabba #BenStokes pic.twitter.com/aaD0szi1mW

– The History Vault (@RealtyCheck09) December 7, 2025

HahahaEngland is still shit. #Gabba

–Mark Simpson (@iMARKSIMPSON) December 7, 2025

These ashes are recovering sooner than expected. The Bazball hype is shattered.

On the ground, no real preparation, just a facade. These English cricketers are the most overrated cricketers you will ever find.#Cendres2025 #AUSvENG #Gabba #AusvsEng #CricketTwitter

– Jim Moriarty (@moriartyjim100) December 7, 2025

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

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

I can’t beat
I can’t bowl
I can’t catch
I can’t use their brains
will not change

Summary of England cricket #Ashes #BBCCricket

– Jules (@julescamoore) December 7, 2025

Australia lead 2-0 in the Ashes as England suffer another humiliating defeat.#Cendres2025

-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 makeshift 15-match ODI series instead.

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

MOOD.

2-0.

Until the Australians.#Ashes pic.twitter.com/y8sfddGYd7

– CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) December 7, 2025

England absolutely humiliated🔥

Trailing 2-0 after two 8-wicket spankings – Bazball is dead, Smith owns as stand-in skipper

#Ashes pic.twitter.com/fSvsPlylbN

– PeakyFookingBlinders🪽 (@FookingPeaky) December 7, 2025

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Here’s the reason why Steve Smith is wearing black ribbon in the Gabba Test against England