Ricky Ponting has heaped praise on Mitchell Starc, calling his efforts in the ongoing Ashes the best he has delivered in his career. On the ICC Review Podcast, Ponting highlighted how Starc’s bowling has been pivotal in helping Australia secure a commanding 3-0 lead in the Ashes series. With two Player of the Match awards from the first three Tests, Starc has clearly been a key factor in Australia’s dominance over England.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him bowl better. His work with the new ball has been exceptional. He’s always been known for his skill with both the new ball and the old, especially reverse swing, but he has added new dimensions to his game, developing extra skills that make him a far more complete bowler,” Ponting said

Starc’s performance has been impressive this year. In 2025, he has taken 51 wickets across 10 Test matches at an average of 17.15, making him the highest wicket-taker in the format. In the current Ashes series alone, he has already picked up 22 wickets at an average of 17.04, consistently troubling England’s batting line-up in all conditions.

Australia’s dependence on Starc grew in the early stages of the series, with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood missing matches. Starc rose to the occasion, leading the pace attack and finishing the first half of the series as the top wicket-taker with 22 wickets from six innings, setting the standard for Australia’s bowling unit.

Ponting also shed light on the technical improvements that have enhanced Starc’s impact. “He no longer depends solely on the big in-swinger to a right-hander. He has developed a wobble seam delivery that moves across the right-hander, giving him much more control and consistency. He knows the line and length he can execute it at almost at will. And his primary strike weapon remains the fuller in-swinging delivery to right-handers,” Ponting explained