Mitchell Starc struck in the first over of the opening Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series at Perth’s Optus Stadium, dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck. The left-arm pace forced the right-handed batter to nick off to the slip cordon, bringing back memories of the previous Ashes series Down Under.
Crawley went for a full-blooded drive on the third delivery of the over and missed a fair length ball as it went through to the keeper. Nonetheless, he did not miss the last ball of the over, as the healthy edge carried to Usman Khawaja. The Australian opener juggled the ball before grabbing the catch as the hosts wheeled away in delight.
Watch the footage here for the dismissal as Mitchell Starc grabbed his maiden wicket:
Starc famously dismissed Rory Burns on the opening ball of the 2020-21 Ashes series in Australia, setting the tone for the team’s 4-0 triumph.
Ashes 2025-26: Steve Smith loses toss before Mitchell Starc strikes with early wicket
Earlier, Australian skipper Steve Smith lost the toss and Ben Stokes chose to bat first at the Optus Stadium in Perth. On Wednesday, the tourists named their 12-man playing eleven and decided to drop off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, opting for an all-out pace attack consisting of Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Mark Wood. With Ben Stokes now able to bowl as well, the tourists have formed a formidable bowling unit.
In contrast, Australia chose their XI the day before the series opener. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the first Test, Brendan Doggett will make his debut, with Scott Boland named second seamer. Jake Weatherald has also earned his first Australian cap and is slated to open the batting alongside Usman Khawaja.
England is seeking to win their first Test Down Under since 2011, after going winless in 13 of their last 15 Ashes encounters on Australian soil.
