Australia’s pace sensation Mitchell Starc has etched his name in Ashes history after a sensational performance in the 2025-26 series opener against England in Perth. The left-arm fast bowler’s remarkable start not only rattled the English batting lineup but also saw him reach a historic milestone as the first left-arm seamer to claim 100 wickets in Ashes Test cricket. Starc’s early breakthroughs highlighted his unmatched skill, precision, and ability to dominate the game from the very first over.
Mitchell Starc’s Historic Ashes Performance
Mitchell Starc wasted no time in asserting his dominance at the Optus Stadium, removing England opener Zak Crawley in the very first over of the match. Crawley, struggling against Starc’s angled deliveries, edged the ball to first slip, where Usman Khawaja completed the catch. The early wicket electrified the stadium and set the tone for an unforgettable Ashes day.
Starc maintained his relentless pressure, claiming two more wickets within the first ten overs. His second victim, Ben Duckett, who had aggressively scored 21 runs off 20 balls, could not withstand Starc’s pace and accuracy. Duckett’s dismissal was a testament to Starc’s ability to counter even the most fearless batsmen in England’s lineup.
The highlight of Starc’s spell came with the dismissal of England captain Joe Root in the 7th over. Root was sent back to the pavilion for a 7-ball duck, leaving England’s top order reeling and Australia in command. This wicket marked a major milestone for Starc: his 100th Ashes Test wicket, making him the first left-arm seamer to reach this landmark. He became the 21st bowler overall to achieve this feat and tops the list with a strike rate of 44.8, the best among these elite bowlers.
Mitchell Starc’s early dominance was particularly significant given the absence of key Australian pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood for the opening Test. Entrusted with leading the pace attack, Starc rose to the occasion, delivering a masterclass in swing, speed, and control. Despite voicing concerns about the Ashes opener being held in Perth instead of the traditional Gabba, Starc’s on-field performance silenced all doubts.
The Optus Stadium crowd erupted at every wicket, celebrating Starc’s brilliance and the thrilling start he gave Australia. For England, it served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by one of cricket’s modern pace icons whenever the new ball is in play. His ‘unique century’ in wickets is a defining moment, reinforcing Starc’s reputation as a modern legend of Test cricket and a crucial asset for Australia in the Ashes series.
Mitchell Starc’s achievements in this Perth Test will be remembered as one of the finest opening spells in Ashes history, blending skill, precision, and consistency to achieve a historic milestone. His impact on the game underscores the significance of strike bowlers in shaping Test outcomes, especially in high-pressure series like the Ashes.
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