Mitchell Starc Dismantles England’s Batting Lineup on Ashes Opening Day
Australia’s Mitchell Starc showcased a stunning performance on the opening day of the Ashes Test series in Perth. His exceptional bowling dismantled England’s batting lineup, leading to a swift collapse.
Starc’s Career-Best Performance
Starc claimed an impressive seven wickets for 58 runs, marking a milestone with his 100th Ashes wicket. England struggled from the start after opting to bat first, ending their innings at just 172 runs in less than 33 overs.
Key Moments and Players
- England’s innings began poorly with Zak Crawley falling for a duck on the sixth ball.
- Joe Root, aiming for his first century in Australia, also scored a duck, falling victim to another lethal delivery from Starc.
- Ollie Pope managed a steady 46 runs, while Harry Brook added an aggressive 52.
- Cameron Green dismissed Pope before lunch, while Ben Stokes was out shortly after the break.
England’s Dramatic Collapse
After reaching 160 for five, England’s batting lineup crumbled dramatically, losing five wickets for just 12 runs. Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith, who scored 33 runs, succumbed to a short-ball strategy that proved effective for Australia.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| England | 172 | All out |
| Australia | 15 | 1 |
In response, Australia ended the first session at 15 for one, with Jofra Archer claiming the wicket of debutant Jake Weatherald. As England seeks to rebound, Starc’s performance sets a challenging precedent for the remainder of the series.
