Imagine this: a packed stadium, the sun blazing, and a veteran fast bowler unleashing chaos on the opposition. That’s exactly what happened when Mitchell Starc, Australia’s 35-year-old pace maestro, tore through England’s batting lineup on Day 1 of the Ashes opener in Perth. But here’s where it gets controversial—was this a masterclass in bowling, or did England’s strategy crumble under pressure? Let’s dive in.
On November 21, 2025, Starc delivered a spell for the ages, claiming 7 wickets for just 58 runs as England were bundled out for a mere 172. The visitors, who won the toss and elected to bat, found themselves in a precarious position early on. Starc’s opening burst was nothing short of lethal, dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck in his 101st Test match. And this is the part most people miss—Starc has now taken a wicket in the first over of an innings 24 times, a testament to his ability to strike early and decisively.
England’s woes didn’t end there. Ben Duckett, who looked promising with a couple of boundaries off Scott Boland, fell victim to Starc’s precision, trapped lbw for 21. Joe Root, still chasing his first Test century in Australia, lasted just seven balls before edging to Marnus Labuschagne at third slip. Ollie Pope (46) and Harry Brook (52) provided some resistance, but it was too little, too late. Brook’s fearless half-century, scored off just 58 balls, was a bright spot, but even he couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure, falling to debutant Brendan Doggett (2-27).
Starc’s performance was a reminder of why he’s considered one of the most dangerous bowlers in the world. His inswinger to castle Ben Stokes for six was a highlight, showcasing his ability to outfox even the most seasoned batsmen. By the time he removed Gus Atkinson, Starc had his 17th five-wicket haul, further cementing his legacy.
Here’s a bold take: England’s decision to go with an all-pace attack, leaving spinner Shoaib Bashir out, might have played into Australia’s hands. Perth’s pitch, historically favorable to the team batting first, didn’t offer much assistance to England’s bowlers. Could a spinner have provided the control needed to restrict Australia’s scoring? It’s a question worth debating.
As England, who haven’t won a series in Australia in 15 years, now face an uphill battle, one can’t help but wonder: Can they recover from this setback, or will Starc’s brilliance prove too much to handle? What’s your take? Do you think England’s strategy was flawed, or was Starc simply unstoppable? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
