Australia has successfully retained the Ashes urn, securing an unassailable 3-0 series lead with a commanding 82-run victory over England in the third Test at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday. The win, achieved with two matches still to play, silenced pre-series debates about the team's age and experience, which fast bowler Mitchell Starc highlighted as their greatest strength.
Starc: Veteran Know-How Proved Decisive
Mitchell Starc revealed that the wealth of experience within the Australian squad was instrumental in navigating a challenging build-up to the series. Injuries to captain Pat Cummins and fellow paceman Josh Hazlewood before the first Test in Perth had placed the team in a precarious position. However, Starc emphasized that the group's composure never wavered.
"A lot was made about how old the group is and how experienced they are," Starc told reporters. "Perhaps that's played into our hands... Things have never gotten too high or low. If we haven't had a good day, it's pretty easy to move on from and learn from." He added that this environment also benefited younger players, giving them the freedom to express themselves while learning from seasoned campaigners.
Leading from the Front
Shouldering the responsibility in the absence of the team's frontline bowlers, Mitchell Starc delivered a standout performance. The 35-year-old left-arm quick bowled a massive 95.5 overs across the first three Tests and is the series' leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps. Starc credited his decision to retire from Twenty20 internationals and focus solely on Test cricket for his current peak form.
"I've made decisions with my body in mind, test cricket has always been the priority," Starc stated. He expressed gratitude to his support staff and his own dedication to fitness, acknowledging he is currently enjoying the rewards of that hard work.
Stokes Seeks Silver Lining for England
Despite the comprehensive series defeat, England captain Ben Stokes urged his team to find positives from their improved second-innings batting display in Adelaide. He believes this can be a foundation as England chase their first Test win in Australia since January 2011.
"I think some individuals have probably actually learned a lot more about themselves throughout this week," Stokes said. He pointed to players standing up in high-pressure moments as a key takeaway, not just for the remaining matches in Melbourne and Sydney, but for the future of English cricket.
Stokes admitted it was difficult to be overly positive given the emotional toll of the series loss, but stressed the importance of clarity and execution. "It's about going out there and delivering... and (if you're) not able to execute that for good enough or long enough, then you get punished," he concluded.
The fourth Test of the Ashes series is scheduled to begin on December 26 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
