Post by : Maya Rahman

On Friday, Australia kicked off their Ashes title defence in spectacular fashion as Mitchell Starc showcased his bowling prowess, dismantling England's batting lineup before lunch on the first day in Perth. By the time the players broke for lunch, England was reeling at 105 for 4, handing Australia an early upper hand.

Facing injuries to key fast bowlers, including captain Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, the onus was on Starc to command the pace attack. The seasoned left-arm bowler embraced this challenge confidently, wrapping up the opening session with figures of 3 for 24, reaffirming his status as one of cricket's most lethal bowlers.

England, having won the toss, opted to bat first on a surface known to favour seamers. They went with a pace-heavy lineup, selecting Brydon Carse over young spinner Shoaib Bashir. Australia responded with two debutants, fast bowler Brendan Doggett and opening batter Jake Weatherald, injecting fresh energy into their team.

The match commenced at a brisk pace, and Starc delivered a notable 144 km/h straight from the start. His first success came swiftly as he dismissed Zak Crawley, who edged a rising delivery to Usman Khawaja at first slip without scoring. This breakthrough quickly lifted the Australian spirits and put England on the back foot.

Starc struck again in the seventh over, bowling a perfectly positioned inswinger that saw Ben Duckett out for 21, caught leg-before-wicket, and further tightening Australia’s grip on the match.

Starc's crowning moment arrived when he dismissed Joe Root, who was yet to score. A delivery that moved just enough to catch the edge was snared by Marnus Labuschagne at third slip. This wicket marked Starc's 100th in Ashes cricket, a significant milestone in his career.

Australia maintained pressure with all-rounder Cameron Green, fresh off a back injury, taking action as well. He trapped Ollie Pope front on a good-length delivery, dismissing the confident batsman for 46, adding further woes for England. Green’s return bolsters Australia’s lineup with crucial batting and bowling support.

At the lunch break, England had two players at the crease: Harry Brook on 28 and captain Ben Stokes on 4, attempting to salvage the innings after the top-order collapse. Despite this, Australia’s fast bowlers were in excellent form, making the situation difficult for England.

The first session was firmly in Australia's grasp. Starc’s aggressive and disciplined bowling established the match's rhythm, showcasing their ability even in the absence of two key bowlers. With England already suffering the loss of four wickets, Australia aims to maintain their momentum in the upcoming sessions.

As the Ashes series unfolds, this robust start is a confidence booster for Australia, while England recognizes the necessity of a strong comeback following a shaky start.

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