Mitchell Starc crowned ICC Men's Player of the Month after Ashes heroics

At 35, Starc took 31 wickets and added two half-centuries, earning the Player of the Series award in the process.

In December alone, he claimed 16 wickets and scored 139 runs across three Tests, underlining his status as one of cricket's premier all-rounders.

Starc said he was proud to receive the accolade, especially following Australia's commanding home Ashes victory.

Starc beat West Indies' Justin Greaves and New Zealand's Jacob Duffy to the award. Greaves impressed in New Zealand, scoring 283 runs at an average of 56.60, including an unbeaten 202 in the fourth innings of the first Test at Christchurch, helping West Indies secure a draw.

Duffy was pivotal in New Zealand's 2-0 series win over the West Indies, taking 23 wickets at 15.43, troubling batsmen with sharp swing and accuracy.

"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 to the ICC.

"As a team, we've had some outstanding performances in the last few years. The focus now is on building that momentum towards a place in next year's ICC World Test Championship Final."

The award underlines Starc's enduring impact on the international game, blending pace, skill, and valuable batting contributions, and solidifies his reputation as one of Australia's modern cricketing greats.