Sydney, Jan. 8 -- In a largely one-sided Ashes series 2025/26, which leaned in Australia's favour as many expected, it was the catching efficiency of both sides that proved to be the point of difference, with the hosts, Aussies, turning out to be a better fielding unit throughout the series.

While Australia was not at their absolute best with the bat, they did make up for it with the ball, courtesy of an all-time great series from left-armer pacer Mitchell Starc and some outstanding fielding, with plenty of standouts coming from Steve Smith (14 catches) and Marnus Labuschagne (10 catches) at slips.

Australia's fielding efficiency throughout the series was 85.3 per cent, having dropped just 12 catches. It was much better than England, wh...