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Australia Crushes England 4-1 in Record-Breaking Ashes 2026 Series

Australia has retained the Ashes with a dominant 4-1 series victory over England, concluding with a five-wicket win in Sydney. The series set a new record for the highest run-rate in a multi-match Test series, clocking 4.07. Travis Head was the standout batter, finishing as the top run-scorer with 629 runs and three centuries. Mitchell Starc was the series' leading wicket-taker with 31 scalps and was named Player of the Series.

Key Points: Ashes 2026: Australia Wins 4-1, Sets Historic Run-Rate Record

  • Australia wins series 4-1
  • Historic series run-rate of 4.07
  • Travis Head top scorer with 629 runs
  • Mitchell Starc takes 31 wickets as top bowler
2 min read

Ashes 2026: Australia dominates England 4-1, sets record for highest run-rate

Australia dominates England 4-1 to retain the Ashes, setting a new Test series record for highest run-rate. Travis Head and Mitchell Starc star.

"He is the only one to do so with a strike rate of over 75. - on Travis Head's record"

Sydney, January 8

The Ashes 2026 concluded on Thursday with Australia retaining the trophy, winning the series 4-1. This series has made history by recording the highest run-rate in a Test series with a minimum of four matches, clocking in at 4.07.

This surpasses the previous record set during the 2023 Ashes in England, which had a run rate of 3.93.

Australia registered a comprehensive win by five wickets in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday to square off the series 4-1.

Australia clinched victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide before the Three Lions bounced back and registered a memorable win in Melbourne. Throughout the series, Ben Stokes-led England were outplayed by Australia's approach. The visitors' top-order struggled against Australia's pacers.

Australia's star batter Travis Head ended the series as the top run-getter with 629 runs in five matches and 10 innings at an average of 62.90 and a strike rate of 87.36, with three centuries. Among all the players to have scored 600-plus runs in a single Ashes series, he is the only one to do so with a strike rate of over 75.

The left-handed batter had a series to remember, as he secured two 'Player of the Match' awards in the first and final Test, setting the tone for a dominant series with an 83-ball 123 at Perth and chasing down the 205-run target on the second day of the series opener.

Australia's ace speedster Mitchell Starc showcased his dominance with the ball, finishing as the series' leading wicket-taker and playing a crucial role in Australia's Ashes victory over the Ben Stokes-led side.

The left-arm seamer picked up 31 wickets in 10 innings at a superb average of 19.93, along with two five-wicket hauls. Apart from bowling, Starc notched up 156 runs with the bat, along with two half-centuries. Starc was also named Player of the series for his pure dominance with the ball.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
Travis Head was on another planet this series. 629 runs at that strike rate is phenomenal. It shows how the game is changing. Test cricket is not boring anymore! 🏏
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Arjun K
While the aggression is entertaining, I have a respectful criticism. A run-rate of 4.07 is exciting, but does it come at the cost of the traditional, grinding Test match skills? Wickets seemed to fall in clusters. England's top order collapsing repeatedly shows maybe there's a middle path between Bazball and solid defence.
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Priya S
Mitchell Starc - 31 wickets and crucial runs! That's a proper all-round performance. He was the difference maker. England had no answer to his left-arm angle and pace. Our Indian team should take notes on how to use a strike bowler like that.
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Karthik V
England's one win in Melbourne gives them something to build on, but overall they were outclassed. Ben Stokes is a warrior, but he can't do it alone. Their batting lineup looks fragile against quality pace. The Ashes rivalry is always great for cricket, though! 🇦🇺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
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Nikhil C
This series sets a new benchmark. Test cricket is alive and kicking! The intensity, the records, the drama... this is what we want to see. Can't wait for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy now. India vs Australia is the ultimate Test rivalry for us. 💪

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