Day 1 of the Ashes 2025-26 Pink-Ball Check on the Gabba lit up in spectacular style as Mitchell Starc delivered a fiery opening spell that dismantled England’s high order inside minutes. Recognized globally as a pink-ball specialist, Starc as soon as once more showcased why he stays one of the crucial feared left-arm quicks in trendy Check cricket. Below the Gabba lights, he produced motion, precision, and intimidation in equal measure—writing one other unforgettable chapter in Ashes historical past. England, having opted to bat first within the second Check, hoped to make early inroads into a protracted match. As an alternative, the guests have been rocked nearly instantly, because of Starc’s explosive new-ball brilliance.
IT’S ONLY AND ONLY THE GREAT MITCHELL STARC!
– Sends Duckett again for a golden duck and picks 2 wickets in simply 9 balls! #MitchellStarc #AUSvENG #CricketFever #FastBowling #BigWicketspic.twitter.com/fKJvIPUWNc
— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) December 4, 2025
Ben Duckett Falls for Golden Duck as Starc Strikes Early
The second that ignited the stadium got here off the ultimate ball of Starc’s first over. Clocking 142.2 kph, he unleashed a full, late-swinging supply that tempted Ben Duckett right into a hesitant poke. The ball kissed the sting and flew sharply to Marnus Labuschagne, who dived ahead at first slip to finish a clear catch. Duckett walked again for a golden duck, England have been 0–1, and Starc had delivered yet one more assertion in a sequence the place early wickets have grow to be his signature.
The dismissal additionally marked Starc’s third first-over wicket of the sequence, reinforcing his unmatched command with the pink ball when circumstances favor swing.
Again-to-Again Strikes Depart England in Disaster
If England thought the early blow was recoverable, Starc had different plans. In his very subsequent over, he despatched Ollie Pope packing with a supply that moved simply sufficient to induce an inside edge onto the stumps. Within the blink of a watch, England have been tottering at 5–2, their high order shredded earlier than the competition had even begun.
The Gabba, already often called a fortress for Australian cricket, erupted as Starc continued to hunt relentlessly on a pitch providing bounce and motion underneath lights. England, in the meantime, discovered themselves scrambling for composure as Australia’s fast-bowling cartel tightened the noose.
Starc Nears Historic Milestone, Equals Wasim Akram’s Document
Past the instant match impression, Starc’s double strike carried huge historic weight. His early breakthroughs ensured he grew to become:
The primary bowler ever to take 20 pink-ball Check wickets in opposition to a single opponent, underlining his dominance in day-night cricket.
Joint-highest left-arm quick bowler in Check cricket, tying Pakistani legend Wasim Akram with 414 Check wickets.
Starc reached the milestone in simply 102 Assessments, surpassing Akram’s document tempo of 104 matches. Yet one more wicket would make him probably the most profitable left-arm pacer in Check historical past, a testomony to his longevity, ability, and big-match temperament.
Australia’s Assertion of Intent within the Ashes 2025-26
For Australia, the early blows weren’t merely wickets—they have been a robust message. Even with out a number of frontline seamers, the hosts’ assault continues to function with ruthless effectivity. Starc’s mastery of early swing circumstances reaffirmed why he stays a central determine in Australia’s Ashes dominance.
Because the pink ball glowed in opposition to the Brisbane sky and England’s high order fell aside, the second Check started with all of the hallmarks of one other gripping Ashes spectacle.