Starc Dismantles England with 7 Wickets on Day One in Perth

Post by : Mara Rahim

Mitchell Starc delivered a stunning bowling display, capturing 7 wickets for 58 runs and placing England in a tough spot during the first day of the Perth Test in front of an enthusiastic crowd. England's captain, Ben Stokes, chose to bat first on a bright day, yet the team struggled against the ferocious pace of the Australian bowlers.

Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46) were the only players to show any fight as the batting order collapsed post-lunch. Stokes significantly contributed as well, taking 5 wickets for 23 runs, which helped reduce Australia to 123-9 at the end of the day, leaving them trailing by 49 runs. Nathan Lyon ended the day on three runs, with Brendan Doggett yet to score.

Brydon Carse, who took two vital wickets, including that of Steve Smith, deemed the day remarkable. “What a day! Everyone played their part – 19 wickets fell. It was a thrilling session leaving us in a strong position for tomorrow,” he stated.

The day proved to be harsh for England’s openers encountering the rigors of Test cricket. Jake Weatherald fell for a second-ball duck to Jofra Archer, while Marnus Labuschagne managed only 41 balls for nine runs. Joe Root was dismissed for a mere 17, caught by Brook in slip. Usman Khawaja, batting fourth, lasted just six balls, and suddenly Australia found itself in a precarious 31-4.

Starc's early spells were especially damaging. He dismissed Zak Crawley for nought, with a thick edge to slip, and later trapped Ben Duckett lbw for 21, leaving England at a shaky 33-2. Starc also had Stokes caught for six runs with a brilliant inswinger before wrapping up the tail later in the day, marking his 17th five-wicket haul in Test match history.

Cameron Green (24), Travis Head (21), and Alex Carey (26) got off to solid starts but failed to convert them into substantial scores as England’s fast bowlers applied constant pressure. Starc’s unrelenting pace and skill proved pivotal, and Stokes’ leadership encouraged his teammates.

After the day's play, Starc expressed his determination to keep taking wickets. “My role is to be aggressive and seek wickets, especially with the new ball. I’ve been lucky to do this several times, and our goal is to make inroads into the opposition,” he said.

Despite missing key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Starc maintained his composure and focus. He praised the strength of both bowling units, noting it was simply one of those days where wickets fell quickly. “Kudos to both teams. We bowled effectively, they bowled effectively, and 19 wickets fell within a day,” he concluded.

As Australia heads into day two, they will rely on Starc's ongoing prowess to stay competitive because England remains a formidable opponent. Starc, undeterred by the initial challenges, trusts that his team can draw on their experience to rebound in the ongoing Test series.