Mitchell Starc delivered a stunning all-round performance to leave England on the brink of defeat in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, with Australia needing just four wickets on the final day to take a 2-0 series lead.
Starc's Bat-and-Ball Brilliance Turns the Tide
After Australia resumed their first innings on day three, it was the lower order that inflicted critical damage. Mitchell Starc, batting at number nine, crafted a superb 77 runs, forming a pivotal 75-run partnership with Scott Boland. This stand pushed Australia to a commanding total of 511, securing a massive first-innings lead of 177 runs.
The left-arm fast bowler then switched seamlessly to his primary role, taking the new ball under the Brisbane lights. He made an immediate impact, removing England's first-innings centurion, Joe Root, caught behind for just 15. Starc's evening burst helped reduce England to 134 for six at stumps, still 43 runs behind Australia's first-innings score.
Teammates Hail 'The Greatest Lefty of All Time'
Starc's remarkable contribution drew high praise from within the Australian camp. All-rounder Michael Neser, who also claimed two wickets, was effusive in his admiration for the veteran. "He's a special player," Neser stated. "He doesn't like to admit it but he is the GOAT, the greatest lefty of all time. He does it with the ball, the bat, and to be next to him, witnessing what he does, is just amazing."
Neser, a Queensland local, also highlighted the advantage of bowling in the cooler evening session after England's attack toiled in severe daytime heat. "Being a Gabba local, I know how hard it is bowling under the heat," he explained. "To be bowling as late as we did, it definitely keeps you fresher."
England's Familiar Collapse Leaves Team in Dire Straits
England's position is now perilous, with none of their second-innings partnerships matching the resilience shown by Starc and Boland. Assistant coach Marcus Trescothick admitted it had been "a tough day" that left the side "not in a great position."
He defended the team's approach against the Australian tail, saying, "We were trying to bowl in a way that we were going to hopefully force an error. That didn't necessarily happen in the fashion we wanted it to do." Trescothick also insisted the batters were not being reckless, but were simply put under intense pressure. "We want to try to utilise [our style] in the best possible fashion," he said. "It doesn't always go right, of course."
Cummins Set for Adelaide Return
In a further boost for Australia, captain Pat Cummins confirmed he is on track to return from a back injury for the third Test in Adelaide. "I'll have one more bowl tomorrow [in the nets] and then we'll go to Adelaide and have a bowl there," Cummins told Fox Sports. "So barring any hiccups, I'll be good to go. The body feels great." His return would strengthen an Australian attack that has dominated England so far in this Ashes series.
