Mitchell Starc Dismisses Zak Crawley and Joe Root for Zero Sparking England’s Struggle
In a riveting start to the much-anticipated Ashes Test series, England faced significant challenges. The first morning at Perth Stadium saw England in a precarious position at 105 for four, largely due to the exceptional bowling of Mitchell Starc.
Mitchell Starc’s Explosive Spell Shakes England
Starc, leading the Australian attack, claimed the vital wickets of Zak Crawley and Joe Root for ducks. His remarkable performance helped Australia seize early control of the match.
- Zak Crawley: Dismissed on the sixth ball of the day.
- Joe Root: Edged a delivery from Starc to third slip, ending his innings without scoring.
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, won the toss and elected to bat first on a green pitch. However, this decision quickly backfired as Starc’s aggressive bowling exploited the conditions effectively.
Starc’s Critical Milestone
Mitchell Starc achieved his 100th wicket against England in this match. His striking performance included three wickets in his initial spell, forcing England into dire straits.
- Ben Duckett: Dismissed lbw for 21 runs.
- Ollie Pope: Scored 46 but fell victim to a lbw decision, just before lunch.
With less than nine overs bowled, England had already lost three wickets. Ollie Pope, showing resilience amid the chaos, managed a noteworthy 46 runs before succumbing to Cameron Green’s delivery.
Impact of Injuries on Australia’s Bowling Line-up
Starc, stepping up in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, demonstrated his prowess. Despite the pressure, he maintained relentless pace and accuracy.
- Brendan Doggett: Debuted with a solid first spell.
- Scott Boland: Struggled, conceding 39 runs in seven overs.
Australia’s early dominance highlighted the challenges facing England in this crucial series opener. As the day progressed, the team needed to regroup and strategize to turn the match around.
