The Ashes: Starc Strikes Again — Repeats Perth Heroics, Removes Duckett for a Duck in the First Over

Brisbane: Australia’s left-arm pace spearhead Mitchell Starc continues his sensational form in the Ashes. After dismissing Zak Crawley in the first over of both innings in the opening Test at Perth, Starc has once again struck in the very first over of the second Test at the Gabba—this time removing England opener Ben Duckett for a golden duck.

First-ball dismissal for Duckett

England captain Ben Stokes opted to bat first after winning the toss, but Starc immediately put Australia on top. Delivering a full, away-swinging ball, the left-armer forced Duckett into a tentative defensive push. The ball caught the outside edge and flew straight to Marnus Labuschagne at first slip. Duckett walked back without scoring, falling on the very first ball he faced.

Starc’s unmatched first-over dominance

Starc has strengthened his record as the most successful first-over wicket-taker in Test history, now with 26 wickets in the opening over.
Following him are:

• James Anderson – 19
• Kemar Roach – 10

Starc is also the most successful bowler in Day-Night Test cricket, with 83 wickets in 15 matches, far ahead of Pat Cummins’ 43.

England in early trouble

Starc wasn’t done yet. In his second over, he dismissed Ollie Pope, whose outside edge crashed into the stumps. England found themselves in deep trouble at 5/2, losing both openers within minutes of the start.

Related