Notably, this is the first time Mitchell Starc has won the ICC Player of the Month award. The last Australian to receive the honour was Test captain Pat Cummins, who won it in December 2023.
Starc Dominates ICC Player of the Month Race
Starc emerged as one of the standout nominees following his sensational displays in the Ashes 2025–26, where his performances proved decisive. Despite strong competition from Jacob Duffy and Justin Greaves, Starc’s dominance with the ball throughout the series gave him a clear edge, ultimately securing the prestigious award.
Reacting to the honour, Starc expressed pride in being recognised after a memorable Ashes campaign.
“It’s an honour to be named the ICC Player of the Month, and even more special that it came on the back of such a successful home Ashes. To have played a part in winning such an iconic series in front of our home crowd is something we will all relish for a long time,” Starc said in an ICC statement.
He further added,
“As a team, we’ve had some outstanding performances over the last few years. The focus now is on building that momentum towards a place in next year’s ICC World Test Championship Final.”
A December to Remember
Mitchell Starc played a pivotal role in Australia’s commanding 4–1 Ashes series victory over England. The left-arm quick claimed 31 wickets in just 10 innings, consistently dismantling England’s batting lineup.
His standout performances included a match-defining 10-wicket haul in the Perth Test and a brilliant six-wicket spell in the pink-ball Test in Brisbane. Starc also made valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 157 runs in seven innings at an average of 26.17 and a strike rate of 60.85.
While Jacob Duffy picked up 25 wickets and Justin Greaves registered a historic Test double century, Starc’s sustained impact across a high-profile Ashes series ultimately proved decisive in the ICC’s selection.
Fresh off finishing the Ashes as the leading wicket-taker, Starc is now eyeing a return to the Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers. The Sixers, led by Moises Henriques, currently sit second on the points table and are set to face the Sydney Thunder in the highly anticipated Sydney derby on January 16.
