Australia’s leading fast bowler Mitchell Starc made an immediate impact in the opening Test of the Ashes 2025-26 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck in the very first over. The left-arm quick induced an outside edge from the right-hander, sending the ball straight to the slip cordon and evoking memories of similar early strikes in the previous Ashes series in Australia.
Earlier in the over, Crawley had attempted a forceful drive on the third delivery but failed to connect as the good-length ball went safely through to the keeper. However, the final delivery proved costly for England, as Crawley edged it cleanly to Usman Khawaja.
The Australian opener momentarily juggled the ball before completing the catch, triggering jubilant celebrations from the home side. You can watch the video here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRTU42ViZjZ/?igsh=dzN6eTQ3dDR6Mm1v
Mitchell Starc had similarly removed Rory Burns with the very first delivery of the 2020-21 Ashes series in Australia, a moment that helped set the tone for the hosts’ eventual 4-0 triumph.
Steve Smith Loses Toss Before Starc Strikes In The First Over
Earlier in the day, Australian skipper Steve Smith lost the toss, with Ben Stokes choosing to bat first at the Optus Stadium in Perth. England had already announced their 12-man group on Wednesday and ultimately decided to exclude off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, opting instead for a full pace attack featuring Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Mark Wood.
With Stokes fit to contribute with the ball again, the visitors fielded a strong and well-rounded bowling lineup. In contrast, Australia confirmed their playing XI a day before the series opener. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood unavailable for the first Test, Brendan Doggett was handed his debut, while Scott Boland was selected as the second seamer.
Jake Weatherald also received his first Test cap and is set to open alongside Usman Khawaja. England are aiming for their first Test victory in Australia since 2011, having failed to win any of their last 13 Ashes Tests on Australian soil out of the previous 15.
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