Australia vs England 1st Test: Mitchell Starc Completes 100 Ashes Wickets with Fiery Opening Spell in Perth. On the first morning of the Australia vs England 1st Test in Perth, Mitchell Starc produced a remarkable spell and became only the 21st bowler in Ashes history to take 100 wickets in the most famous of rivalries. He reached this milestone in a devastating opening burst that left England struggling and Australia well ahead.
His opening spell was unambiguously world-class: 6 overs, 3 maidens, 17 runs, and 3 wickets, including the milestone wicket.
Starc rattles England early
England, who chose to bat first at the pace-friendly Optus Stadium, suffered an early jolt from Starc, who found both swing and steep bounce. His first breakthrough came with Zak Crawley, as he produced a gem of a delivery that steered just enough to nick off the edge. The Australian dressing room erupted in excitement as Starc found his rhythm and began consistently landing on the ideal length.
Ben Duckett followed soon after, pinned LBW to an excellent delivery that was full with late swing, trapping him on the crease. his pinpoint accuracy left the England batsmen searching for answers.
The moment that defined the occasion came when Starc dismissed Joe Root — England’s star batter — for a duck. Root, lured into a false shot by a sharp in-seamer, edged to the slips, and his hands went up with joy, marking his 100th wicket in Ashes cricket — a determination only a small handful have accomplished in just under 150 years of the rivalry.
His achievement merely compounded his place in history as one of Australia’s most pivotal Ashes bowlers in modern times. He can elevate his game on the bigger stages.
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With England’s top order back in the huts, Australia drove immediate awareness towards home advantage in the opening Test of this series. His fiery spell paved the way for the perfect start at home, and England now faces an uphill battle to recover from the quick setback.