Australia’s Ashes campaign began in emphatic fashion in Perth, despite the absence of two key fast bowlers, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Mitchell Starc, the left-arm spearhead, ensured their absence was barely noticeable, producing a spell of bowling that will be remembered for years to come.
Starc was virtually untouchable, blending pace, swing, and ruthless accuracy to dismantle England’s batting line-up. By the close of day one, England had been bowled out for a paltry 172, leaving Australian fans in ecstasy and their opponents searching for answers.
Historic Milestone Amid Chaos
Within just six overs of his opening spell, Starc achieved an Ashes milestone few could have predicted. By claiming the first three wickets of the innings, he became the 13th Australian bowler to reach 100 Ashes wickets. Joe Root’s duck proved to be the symbolic wicket that pushed Starc past this landmark, marking a career-defining moment and firmly cementing his legacy among Australia’s great bowlers.
“Starc is unplayable when he hits his stride,” said a former Australian Test cricketer. “Even without Cummins and Hazlewood, he’s a one-man wrecking crew. England have never faced anything like it today.”
England’s Batting Order in Tatters
The carnage began immediately. Zak Crawley fell to a sharp in-swinger, triggering a collapse. Ben Duckett followed soon after, trapped lbw by a delivery that swung late and viciously. Root, one of England’s most dependable batters, lasted just seven balls before edging behind—a wicket that not only symbolised England’s struggles but also celebrated Starc’s 100th Ashes scalp.
The Australian pacer continued to dismantle the middle and lower order, finishing with seven wickets in the innings—his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His combination of bounce, swing, and raw pace left England with few answers, as even defensive shots proved futile.
A Rising Ashes Legend
Starc’s current tally of 104 wickets in 43 Ashes innings highlights his status as one of the most lethal bowlers of the modern era. With an Ashes average of 26.79 and a strike rate of 45, he has the uncanny ability to break partnerships and intimidate top-order batters consistently.
Australia’s list of greatest Ashes bowlers now includes Starc among the elite, alongside legends such as Shane Warne (195 wickets) and Glenn McGrath (157 wickets). His rapid rise through the ranks demonstrates not only his skill but also his temperament in high-pressure series.
England Left Scrambling
For England, the day was a harsh lesson. Poor shot selection combined with Starc’s unplayable deliveries left their line-up in tatters. With such a commanding start, the pressure now rests firmly on England’s shoulders as they prepare for the second innings. Any hope of recovering from this devastating start will require discipline, focus, and perhaps a touch of luck.
Australia, meanwhile, will look to build on Starc’s brilliance, with momentum firmly on their side. If the opening day is any indication, the 2025 Ashes may be remembered as the series in which Starc dominated Perth—and England struggled to keep up.