Starc Excels with 77 as Australia Surges Ahead at Gabba

Post by : Mara Rahim

Mitchell Starc showcased his exceptional skills on Saturday, contributing to a remarkable Ashes series performance. The Australian fast bowler surprised the English side by notching up 77 runs, marking his highest Test score since 2016. As a result, Australia amassed a total of 511 in their first innings, establishing a commanding 177-run lead over England's 334 in the day-night Test at the Gabba.

This inning was historic, as every Australian player reached double figures for only the third time in almost 150 years of Test cricket. In addition to Starc's contribution, other teammates shone, including Jake Weatherald with 72, Marnus Labuschagne with 65, Steve Smith with 61, and Alex Carey with 63. Their collective effort enabled Australia to maintain dominance throughout Day 3.

England began their second innings amidst fading light and challenging conditions. Even though Starc didn’t take a wicket in the first over—an unusual occurrence for this series—England faced an uphill battle. At the middle session's conclusion, England stood at 45 without loss, with Zak Crawley scoring 26 and Ben Duckett 13. Starc continues to lead the series with 16 wickets, including a 10-wicket haul in the initial Test at Perth.

On Day 3, Australia emphasized patient batting to tire out the English bowlers. By the end of Day 2, they had added 133 runs for the last four wickets, starting the day at 378-6. Starc entered the match early and forged a crucial 75-run partnership with Scott Boland—setting a new Gabba record for the ninth wicket.

The English bowlers encountered difficulties throughout the day, with Brydon Carse conceding 152 runs for four wickets, while Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson also faced intense pressure. Starc remained aggressive, executing powerful drives and finishing as Australia's top scorer until he was caught in the deep at 77.

Starc’s impressive performance not only consolidated Australia’s position but also emphasized his growing influence in the Ashes series, showcasing his dual prowess as both a bowler and a capable lower-order batter. His innings set a new personal best against England, highlighting his capacity to excel in high-pressure situations.