Australian cricket witnessed history when Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood became the first Australian new-ball duo to claim 400 Test wickets together. This milestone, achieved during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s first Test, solidifies their place among the legends of the game. Their lethal combination of pace, swing, and precision has been instrumental in Australia’s success over the years.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1st Test
On the first day of the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Perth, Starc and Hazlewood unleashed a masterclass in fast bowling. Starc struck early, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck with a vicious inswinger, while
removed debutant Devdutt Padikkal, leaving India struggling at the start. Their dominance set the tone for the match, showcasing their unmatched synergy as a new-ball attack.
Australian Star Starc-Hazlewood
Since his debut in 2011, Mitchell Starc has been Australia’s go-to pacer. With 358 Test wickets at an average of 27.74, Starc is Australia’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Tests. His ability to generate pace and movement, especially under pressure, has made him a match-winner. Whether it’s swinging the new ball or reversing the old one, Starc’s versatility is unparalleled.
Josh Hazlewood, who debuted in 2014, epitomizes consistency in fast bowling. With 273 wickets in 70 Tests, Hazlewood’s economy and accuracy often choke the opposition into submission. His methodical approach and ability to exploit conditions make him a nightmare for batters worldwide.
The Starc-Hazlewood duo has a unique chemistry that complements their contrasting styles. While Starc brings fiery aggression, Hazlewood offers calm precision. Together, they have dismantled some of the best batting lineups in the world, often delivering game-changing spells.
Starc and Hazlewood’s achievements place them alongside iconic Australian pairs like Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie. While comparisons highlight differences in style, the numbers prove they are among the finest.
India’s Struggles In the 1st Test
India, after winning the toss under the leadership of stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah, decided to bat first but quickly found themselves struggling against Australia’s formidable pace attack. Debut caps were awarded to pacer Harshit Rana and fast-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first to fall, bowled by an inswinger from Mitchell Starc, setting a challenging tone for the innings. Josh Hazlewood then dismissed Devdutt Padikkal with a precise delivery, leaving India in a precarious position.
KL Rahul emerged as a stabilizing force for India amidst these early setbacks in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth Stadium. He saw both Jaiswal and debutant Padikkal depart for ducks, succumbing to the fierce pace of Starc and Hazlewood. Starc struck early, removing Jaiswal with the first ball of his second over. Padikkal, stepping in for the injured Shubman Gill at No. 3, fought hard for 23 deliveries but eventually fell to Starc without scoring.
India have been bundled out for 150 after opting to bat first here in Perth. With that, it’s tea as well. The pitch offered a good amount of movement for host, and their seam attack was too good to miss out. Hazlewood picked up four, while the rest of them finished with two apiece. India was very cautious in the opening session, looking to ride out the storm, but the Aussies kept coming at them relentlessly.
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