Skip to main content
New Year’s Sale — Build a balanced news diet with 40% off Vantage
Published loading...Updated

Ashes Player Ratings: Head and Starc a Cut Above as Pope and Smith Face Uncertain Futures

Australia's dominant 4-1 Ashes series win highlighted standout players like Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, shaping future selections amid retirements and injuries.

  • On January 08, 2026, Australia completed a 4-1 Ashes series win, and the player-by-player ratings roundup highlighted Mitchell Starc's 31 wickets and Travis Head's 629 runs.
  • Injuries to Pat Cummins, Australia captain, and Josh Hazlewood, Australia fast bowler, prompted changes while Michael Neser, Queensland medium-pacer, rewarded selectors with a five-for and crucial runs.
  • Statistics show Alex Carey scored 323 runs at 46.14 with 28 dismissals, while Steve Smith amassed 286 runs at 57.20 and took 14 catches, including an SCG century.
  • Immediate consequences include selection debates as Marnus Labuschagne's struggles make Australia's overseas hopes hinge on his form, while Cameron Green faces pressure despite an Ashes win and a $2,000,000 IPL payday.
  • With Usman Khawaja's career winding down, his play against spin will be missed in India next year, while Nathan Lyon, veteran off-spinner, age 38, faces uncertainty due to recent injuries.
Insights by Ground AI

13 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Fox Sports Australia broke the news in Australia on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal