Starc's Spectacular Display Seals Perth Victory
Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc delivered a masterclass in fast bowling during the first Ashes Test in Perth, claiming a remarkable 10-wicket match haul that left England reeling. The 35-year-old left-armer produced one of the most memorable performances of his career, demonstrating why he remains one of cricket's most feared bowlers.
Early Breakthrough Sets the Tone
The match turned dramatically in Australia's favour when Starc removed England opener Zak Crawley for a duck in the first over - for the second time in the Test. The dismissal came through an extraordinary caught and bowled, with Starc diving full length to snare the catch off his own bowling. This early breakthrough immediately put England on the back foot and set the pattern for what was to follow.
Starc's dominance continued when he claimed the prized wicket of England captain Ben Stokes, who edged a laser-like delivery to Steve Smith at slip. This marked the 11th time Starc has dismissed Stokes in Test cricket, more than any other fast bowler has managed against the England skipper. The left-arm quick has particularly enjoyed bowling to Stokes, having splattered his stumps on five separate occasions in Test matches.
Record-Breaking Achievement
Starc's ten-wicket match haul represents a significant milestone in Ashes cricket. No Australian bowler had achieved this feat in an Ashes Test since Shane Warne in 2005, while you have to look back to Craig McDermott in 1991 for the last time an Australian fast bowler accomplished this against England.
The veteran paceman is now closing in on another major record, needing just three more wickets to surpass Pakistan great Wasim Akram as the most prolific left-arm bowler in Test history. Starc's current tally puts him within touching distance of cricket immortality.
Stokes' Struggle Against Starc Continues
The statistical dominance Starc holds over Ben Stokes makes for sober reading for England supporters. Across their 11 Test encounters, Stokes averages a meagre 17.36 runs against the Australian speedster. In Australian conditions, the numbers are even more stark, with Starc having dismissed Stokes five times for just 70 runs.
Stokes' difficulties against Starc are nothing new. Cricket fans will recall the devastating yorker that Starc sent under Stokes' bat during the 2019 World Cup at Lord's, scattering the stumps and effectively sealing victory for Australia. That image of Stokes bent double in disappointment has become symbolic of their encounters.
Crawley's Travel Troubles
Zak Crawley's pair in Perth continues a worrying trend for the England opener. Since scoring 78 in Multan against Pakistan last October, Crawley has managed just 113 runs from 12 innings at an average of 9.4, with a highest score of 29. His technical vulnerabilities against quality pace bowling were ruthlessly exposed by Starc's precision.
The signs were ominous for Crawley, who had previously enjoyed some success against Starc with 155 runs from two dismissals before the Perth Test. However, his comprehensive dismantling in both innings suggests Starc has now solved the puzzle of how to dismiss the England opener consistently.
Pink Ball Threat Looms in Brisbane
With the series moving to Brisbane for a day-night Test under lights, England's troubles may be about to worsen. Starc possesses an extraordinary record with the pink ball, having taken 81 wickets at an average of just 17.08 in day-night Tests. No other bowler comes close to this level of dominance with the pink ball.
Australia's decision to schedule more pink-ball Tests than any other nation has played directly into Starc's hands, and England will need to find answers quickly if they're to prevent the series from slipping away completely.
Historical Context and Rivalries
While individual player rivalries often fade into cricket folklore, the current series has seen the revival of old contests. The Stuart Broad-David Warner rivalry continues off the field, with both now working for rival Australian broadcast networks during the series. Warner fell to Broad 17 times during their playing careers, and the verbal sparring appears set to continue.
There are historical precedents for such one-sided contests. Michael Atherton fell to Glenn McGrath 19 times during his Test career, while Alec Bedser dismissed Australian opener Arthur Morris 18 times. However, Bedser maintained respect for his opponent, refusing to describe Morris as his 'bunny' and instead celebrating their friendship.
As the teams prepare for Brisbane, Australia clearly hold the psychological advantage. When asked about post-series celebrations, Stokes acknowledged the teams would 'probably' share a beer. For now, however, it's Starc and Australia who are doing all the celebrating.
