Australia Bowler Mitchell Starc Delivers 'Absolute Clinic' as England Struggles on Day One of Ashes Test.
In a blistering display, Australia's left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc took 7 wickets for 58 runs as England crumbled to a dismal total of 172 in just 33 overs at the WACA Ground in Perth on day one of the first Ashes Test. The English team was never in contention after Starc set the tone with three consecutive maidens, followed by five consecutive dot balls.
Starc's devastating spell was made even more impressive by the fact that he achieved this feat without any support from his teammates. The Australian bowling attack was able to control the innings, restricting England's batsmen to a meagre total of 172 in just over three hours of play.
England's top order was particularly poor, with opener Dawid Malan being bowled for just one run off the second ball of Starc's spell. The Australian then proceeded to take advantage of the English team's struggles, dispatching batsman Sam Hain for a golden duck and leaving him stranded at the crease.
Starc's impressive display was a stark contrast to England's batting woes, which saw the likes of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jonny Bairstow all fall prey to his pace and accuracy. As the Australian team looked on with ease, it seemed clear that Starc had single-handedly dictated the course of the innings.
Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, was thrilled with the display from his left-arm quick, saying "Mitchell was absolutely clinic in there today. He got England out for 172 in just over three hours of play and we're looking forward to building on that score."
The first Ashes Test is set to continue tomorrow, but it's unlikely that England will be able to mount a comeback with Starc and his teammates so full of life.
In a blistering display, Australia's left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc took 7 wickets for 58 runs as England crumbled to a dismal total of 172 in just 33 overs at the WACA Ground in Perth on day one of the first Ashes Test. The English team was never in contention after Starc set the tone with three consecutive maidens, followed by five consecutive dot balls.
Starc's devastating spell was made even more impressive by the fact that he achieved this feat without any support from his teammates. The Australian bowling attack was able to control the innings, restricting England's batsmen to a meagre total of 172 in just over three hours of play.
England's top order was particularly poor, with opener Dawid Malan being bowled for just one run off the second ball of Starc's spell. The Australian then proceeded to take advantage of the English team's struggles, dispatching batsman Sam Hain for a golden duck and leaving him stranded at the crease.
Starc's impressive display was a stark contrast to England's batting woes, which saw the likes of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jonny Bairstow all fall prey to his pace and accuracy. As the Australian team looked on with ease, it seemed clear that Starc had single-handedly dictated the course of the innings.
Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, was thrilled with the display from his left-arm quick, saying "Mitchell was absolutely clinic in there today. He got England out for 172 in just over three hours of play and we're looking forward to building on that score."
The first Ashes Test is set to continue tomorrow, but it's unlikely that England will be able to mount a comeback with Starc and his teammates so full of life.