By The opening day of the much-anticipated Australia vs England 1st Test of the Ashes series delivered everything cricket fans hoped for—intensity, drama, history, and the kind of fiery pace bowling that only the Ashes can produce. At the center of it all was Mitchell Starc, the left-arm speedster who once again proved why he remains one of the most destructive bowlers in world cricket. With a breathtaking spell on the first morning, Starc etched his name deeper into Ashes folklore, ripping through England’s top order and leaving them rattled at 105/4 at Lunch on Day 1.
Australia, entering the Ashes with strong momentum and a well-balanced squad, put England under immediate pressure after winning the toss and opting to bowl on a pitch offering early movement. The conditions were ideal for fast bowling—cloud cover, a hint of breeze, and a fresh surface that provided both seam and swing. Starc, known for his ability to strike early with the new ball, wasted no time in exploiting the conditions. His opening spell was a masterclass in pace, accuracy, and variation, pushing the English openers onto the back foot right from the start.
The first breakthrough came with a trademark Starc delivery—full, fast, and tailing in sharply. The stumps went flying, sending a packed crowd at the ground into raptures. This early wicket set the tone for the morning session as England struggled to settle against the relentless Australian pace attack. While Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins maintained tight lines from the other end, Starc continued to hunt for wickets with aggressive lengths and clever angles across the crease.
England’s hopes rested on their senior batters, but even they found the going tough. Loose drives, tentative footwork, and the constant probing from Australia created pressure that soon translated into more wickets. Starc’s second and third strikes showcased his experience and adaptability. One ball would swing away late, tempting the batter, while the next would skid back in at high pace—a nightmare combination for any top-order player. The English dressing room looked concerned as wickets tumbled and the scoreboard crawled along.
At 70/3, England faced a potential collapse, but a brief partnership helped them steady the innings somewhat. Still, just when it appeared the visitors might take control, Starc returned for another fiery burst. His fourth wicket highlighted his ability to generate movement even as the ball aged slightly. A late outswinger drew the edge, and Australia celebrated a key breakthrough moments before lunch.
With England at 105/4 heading into the break, the session belonged entirely to Australia, and especially Mitchell Starc. His remarkable spell not only put England under severe pressure but also saw him reach a significant personal milestone—adding another chapter to his storied Ashes career. His performance showcased why he continues to be one of the most feared bowlers in Test cricket.
The lunch break arrived as a relief for England, giving them a chance to regroup and rethink their strategy for the remainder of the day. They will need a major effort from their middle and lower order to rebuild the innings and post a competitive total. Meanwhile, Australia will be eager to maintain the pressure, knowing that a strong first-innings bowling performance could set the tone for the entire match and perhaps the series.
As Day 1 continues, all eyes remain on whether England can recover from the early damage or if Australia’s pace attack—led by Starc in sublime form—will continue to dominate. Whatever unfolds, the first session has already delivered high-quality cricket and a dramatic start to what promises to be another unforgettable Ashes contest.
