In a pulsating start to the Ashes Test at the Gabba, England’s first innings on Day One was defined by Mitchell Starck’s relentless bowling, which had the crowd on the edge of their seats. By the tea break, England had managed just 98 for 2 after 24 overs, with Joe Root unbeaten on 32 and Jack Crawley defying the Australian attack with a patient 61*.
The drama began from the very first over. Starck, wielding the iconic pink Kookaburra ball, proved why he is regarded as one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in world cricket. It’s a rare sight to see a bowler so lethal with the pink ball, particularly in day-night Tests, where Starck’s wicket-taking prowess is unmatched.
England opener Ben Duckett fell on the final ball of the first over, beaten by Starck’s out-swinger and caught at slip by Marnus Labuschagne. A “golden duck” for Duckett, which prompted former England captain Michael Vaughan on Fox Cricket to remark, “It doesn’t get much worse than this.”
Yet, Vaughan’s assessment was quickly challenged. Starck removed another batsman on his very next over, bowling Ollie Pope for a duck, leaving England reeling at 5 for 2 in just 2.3 overs. The Australians had succeeded in painting England ‘blue’ in the early stages of the match.
Joe Root, at number four, tried to stabilise the innings. After England had won the toss and opted to bat, there was perhaps a false sense of security in the dressing room—surely Starck wouldn’t take two wickets in two overs? Yet, Root fell victim to Starck’s consistency, departing after just 16 deliveries.
Thankfully for England, the partnership between Root and Crawley steadied the ship. The duo shared an unbeaten third-wicket partnership of 93 runs from 129 balls, taking England to tea at 98 for 2. Root remained 32* while Crawley anchored the innings at 61*.
Starck’s early wicket-taking is no fluke; this marks the fourth consecutive Test in which he has claimed a wicket in the first over. Beginning at Sabina Park against the West Indies, continuing through Perth against England, and now at the Gabba, Starck has claimed 26 wickets in first overs throughout his career. Only England legend James Anderson, with 29, remains ahead.
On this day, Starck also passed Wasim Akram’s tally for the most wickets by a left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket, reaching 414 after dismissing Duckett and Pope.
In a sombre moment, both teams wore black armbands to honour former England batsman Robin Smith, who passed away on 1 December. Additionally, Bangladesh’s Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid took on umpiring duties on the field, adding a touch of international interest for Bangladeshi cricket fans.