Mitchell Starc was the standout performer for Australia on the first day of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, taking six for 71 to help reduce England to 325 for nine at stumps. The left-arm quick, who has now surpassed Wasim Akram as the most prolific left-arm fast bowler in Test history with 414 wickets, single-handedly kept Australia in the contest after England's top order showed more resolve than in the first Test.
Starc's efforts included a devastating early burst that removed both openers, but Australia's decision to omit spinner Nathan Lyon raised eyebrows. Lyon, who needs two wickets to pass Glenn McGrath's 563 Test wickets, was left out in favour of a fifth fast bowler, Michael Neser. The move backfired as Australia's other quicks struggled for impact, with Scott Boland and Neser taking only one wicket each and Cameron Green and Brendan Doggett proving expensive.
England's Joe Root capitalised on the lack of variety, compiling an unbeaten hundred as he and Jofra Archer added valuable runs late in the day. Root's century, his first in Australia, helped England recover from 76 for three and later 216 for seven. Archer, who was dropped on 12, added 31 runs off 29 balls before falling to Starc.
The decision to drop Lyon was widely criticised, with many questioning the logic of selecting five fast bowlers on a pitch that offered some bounce and swing but was not a minefield. Australia's pace attack lacked control in the final session, bowling 74 overs in the day and failing to take the new ball at the earliest opportunity. Lyon has played all three previous pink-ball Tests at the Gabba, taking 40, 25 and 50 overs in those matches.
Starc's milestone was a rare bright spot for Australia, but the team will rue their tactical gamble. With England still batting on day two, the home side face a battle to stay in the contest. The absence of a frontline spinner could prove costly as the match progresses, especially on a ground where spin has traditionally played a role.
