Mitchell Starc becomes first player with this batting record (Tests)
What's the story
Australian pacer Mitchell Starc continues to grace the 2025/26 Ashes with his all-round skills. He has now become the first cricketer in history to score 10 fifty-plus scores while batting at No. 9 or lower in Test cricket. Starc reached the landmark on Day 2 of the 3rd Ashes Test against England at Adelaide Oval. Starc scored a quickfire 54 off just 75 balls, taking Australia to 371 in the first innings.
Knock
Starc frustrates English bowlers
On an action-packed Day 1, Australia finished at 326/8 after electing to bat. Starc (33*) and Nathan Lyon (0*) returned unbeaten. Starc continued to frustrate the English bowlers in the opening session the next morning. Scott Boland (14*) later powered Australia to 371. Meanwhile, Starc's 75-ball 54 was laced with 9 fours.
Batting prowess
Starc tops this list
Starc has been a reliable asset for Australia with the bat, especially at No. 9 or lower. He now has 10 fifty-plus scores in this regard. The likes of Stuart Broad (6) and New Zealand's Daniel Vettori (6) follow Starc in terms of 50-plus scores at No. 9 or lower in Tests. No other player has more than five such scores.
Do you know?
Starc at No. 9 or lower
According to ESPNcricinfo, Starc has scored 1,745 runs at an average of 24.57 in 95 Test innings at No. 9 or lower (HS: 99). Most of these runs have come against England (6 fifty-plus scores).
Information
Starc closing in on 2,500 Test runs
Overall, Starc has raced to 2,465 runs from 150 Test innings at an average of 20.88. Having played some handy knocks for the Aussies down the order, the southpaw owns 13 half-centuries.
Series stats
Performance in Ashes series
In the ongoing Ashes series, Starc has scored 143 runs from three Tests at an average of 47.66 (2 fifties in 3 innings). He is among the highest run-scorers in the series. With the ball, he has taken 18 wickets. His tally includes 2 fifers and best figures of 7/58 across five innings. Starc was the Player of the Match in Brisbane and Perth.