Ashes 2025-26: Player Ratings for Head, Starc, Stokes, and Root | Quick Digest

Ashes 2025-26: Player Ratings for Head, Starc, Stokes, and Root | Quick Digest
Australia defeated England 4-1 in the 2025-26 Ashes series, with standout performances from Travis Head and Mitchell Starc. England's captain Ben Stokes and star batter Joe Root showed flashes of brilliance but struggled for consistency amidst a challenging tour for the English side. The series concluded on January 8, 2026, solidifying Australia's dominance.

Australia secured a dominant 4-1 victory in the 2025-26 Ashes series.

Travis Head was the leading run-scorer and Player of the Series.

Mitchell Starc led the wicket-takers with 31 scalps.

Ben Stokes faced scrutiny over captaincy but showed bowling prowess.

Joe Root contributed two centuries for England, highlighting individual brilliance.

The series highlighted 'Bazball' frailties for England against Australia.

The BBC article titled 'Ashes player ratings: Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, Ben Stokes and Joe Root all rated' accurately reflects the widespread post-series analysis following the conclusion of the 2025-26 Ashes series. Australia definitively won the five-match Test series against England with a commanding 4-1 scoreline, retaining the coveted urn. Australia's Travis Head was a pivotal figure, emerging as the leading run-scorer in the series with an impressive 629 runs at an average of 62.90, including three centuries. His exceptional performance earned him the Compton–Miller Medal for Player of the Series. On the bowling front, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc dominated, topping the wicket charts with 31 scalps at an average of 19.93, including two five-wicket hauls. Starc also showcased his all-round capabilities with valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 156 runs. For England, captain Ben Stokes, despite facing questions regarding his team's 'Bazball' approach and tactical decisions, contributed with the ball, taking 15 wickets, and notched 184 runs with two half-centuries. However, his batting lacked the consistent impact seen in previous campaigns. Joe Root, England's star batter, managed to score 400 runs at an average of 44.44, registering two centuries, including his first-ever Test century in Australia. These individual performances, while notable, were not enough to challenge Australia's overall supremacy throughout the series, which ran from November 21, 2025, to January 8, 2026. The series showcased Australia's depth and execution, exposing the challenges England faced on Australian soil.
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