Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc delivered a spectacular opening spell on the first day of the Ashes series at Perth Stadium, dismantling England’s top order with a fiery performance. Despite the absence of key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Starc stepped up, claiming 3-17 in a remarkable six-over burst with the new Kookaburra ball, marking his best opening spell in an Ashes contest.
At lunch, England found themselves at 4-105, with Harry Brook (28*) and Ben Stokes (4*) holding the fort. The visitors maintained a brisk scoring rate of 4.56 runs per over, in line with their aggressive “Bazball” approach.
Starc’s Early Onslaught
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that quickly seemed questionable. Starc wasted no time, dismissing opener Zak Crawley for a sixth-ball duck in the series’ first over, thanks to a juggling catch by Usman Khawaja at first slip. Shortly after, Ben Duckett fell victim to a full delivery that trapped him LBW, leaving England to rue a wasted review.
Joe Root, who has historically struggled in Australia, was next to go, caught by Marnus Labuschagne in the slips for a seventh-ball duck. This dismissal marked Starc’s 100th wicket in Ashes cricket, a significant milestone for the left-arm pacer.
Root DUCK! Starc’s 100th Ashes wicket | 00:58
England’s Counterattack
With England reeling at 3-39, Harry Brook launched a counteroffensive, charging at the Australian quicks and even driving Starc through the covers for a boundary. His aggressive approach forced stand-in captain Steve Smith to spread the field, allowing Brook and Ollie Pope to stabilize the innings with a 55-run partnership.
However, just before the lunch break, Cameron Green delivered a crucial blow, trapping Pope LBW with a pinpoint yorker for a well-played 46. This breakthrough left England in a precarious position as they headed into the interval.
Challenges for Both Sides
Scott Boland, opening the bowling in the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, struggled to find consistency, often delivering half-volleys and straying down the leg side. Meanwhile, England’s decision to field an all-pace attack, with spinner Shoaib Bashir left carrying drinks, raised eyebrows as the Perth pitch offered little assistance to seamers.
Earlier in the day, Michael Doggett and Jake Weatherald were presented with their baggy greens, becoming Australia’s 472nd and 473rd men’s Test cricketers, respectively. Their inclusion highlights Australia’s depth in talent, even as they contend with injuries to key players.
Looking Ahead
The opening day of the Ashes has set the stage for an intriguing series, with both teams grappling with their own challenges. Australia’s ability to capitalize on England’s early vulnerabilities will be crucial, while England will need to regroup and leverage their aggressive strategy to turn the tide.
As the series progresses, the performances of players like Starc and the strategic decisions made by both captains will be pivotal. Fans can expect more thrilling cricket as the Ashes continues, with the next session promising further drama and excitement.
