Cricket

Starc does it again in first-over Ashes strike

Nov 21, 2025

Mitchell Starc has done it again with his wicket of England opener Zak Crawley on Friday marking the 24th time he has dismissed a batsman in the first over of a Test match.

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He also has a knack of achieving the feat in ODI cricket. Here's a look at Starc's top-three memorable opening-over wickets.

*2021/22 Ashes series opener at the Gabba

In this COVID-affected Ashes opener, Starc ensured the series got off to a bang by snaring a wicket with the very first ball. Starc's in-swinging half-volley crashed into the leg stump of a bewildered Rory Burns, setting the tone for a series Australia would eventually win 4-0. Starc also became the first bowler to take a wicket with the first ball of an Ashes series since Australian Ernie McCormick in 1936.

*2025/26 Ashes series opener at Perth Stadium

It wasn't with his first ball, but Starc sent the home fans into a spin when he caught the edge of Zak Crawley with his sixth ball of the first over. Crawley's edge flew to first slip, where Usman Khawaja used his thighs to block the ball from falling after an initial juggle. Starc also snared the scalps of Ben Duckett (21) and Joe Root (0) a short time later as England crashed to 3-39.

*2015 ODI World Cup final

Big players step up in big moments and Starc proved he was the man for the job when he sent a full, swinging delivery crashing into the off stump of New Zealand star Brendan McCullum in the 2015 ODI World Cup final at the MCG. The Kiwis were skittled for 183, with Australia cruising to a seven-wicket victory to secure their fifth ODI crown.