The first day of the Ashes at the Gabba began with tension and anticipation as Mitchell Starck took the new pink Kookaburra in hand. From the very first over, the Australian fast bowler reminded everyone why he is one of the most feared bowlers in world cricket.
Ben Duckett, England’s opener, was the first casualty, dismissed for a golden duck as Starck’s out-swinger edged to slip where Marnus Labuschagne took the catch. Former England captain Michael Vaughan commented on the early collapse: “It doesn’t get much worse than this.” Yet, the drama had only begun.
Ollie Pope fell shortly after for zero, leaving England reeling at 5 for 2. It was a stunning display of precision and pace from Starck, who has developed a remarkable habit of taking wickets in the first over across multiple Tests.
Joe Root and Jack Crawley then assumed the responsibility of steadying the innings. The pair shared an unbeaten partnership of 93 runs from 129 balls, preventing England from collapsing entirely. By tea, England were 98/2, with Root 32* and Crawley 61*.
Starck’s feat of taking wickets in the first over has now been achieved in four consecutive Tests, including the series in Sabina Park against West Indies and the Perth Ashes match. In first-over dismissals across Tests, Starck has 26 wickets, just behind James Anderson’s 29.
Moreover, Starck’s dismissal of Duckett and Pope took his career Test wicket tally to 414, surpassing Wasim Akram’s record for the most wickets by a left-arm pacer. This cements his place among the all-time greats of fast bowling.
The day also had a moment of respect and mourning. Both teams wore black armbands to honour Robin Smith, the former England batsman who passed away on 1 December. Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid took on the field duties, adding an international flavour to the match.
While Starck’s bowling was sensational, the composure of Root and Crawley ensured that England survived the early storm. Their 93-run stand provides a platform for England to rebuild, with much work still to be done in what promises to be a gripping day-night Test.