Starc's Fiery Spell Sets Dominant Tone for Australia
The opening day of the highly anticipated Ashes series at Perth Stadium belonged unequivocally to Mitchell Starc, who produced a devastating bowling performance to rip through the English batting line-up. The left-arm quick secured career-best figures of 7-58 from 12.5 overs, a masterclass in fast bowling that saw England capitulate for a meagre 172 runs.
England's innings unravelled at a startling pace, particularly towards the end where they lost 5 wickets for just 12 runs in the space of three chaotic overs. This rapid collapse had immediate consequences for the Australian camp, catching batsman Usman Khawaja off guard.
Khawaja's Absence Forces Unwanted Debutant Promotion
Khawaja had left the field for a brief period late in England's innings. Under cricket's laws, because he was off the field for more than eight minutes and had not returned to the field before the innings concluded, he was ineligible to bat immediately. This meant the experienced opener was forced to watch from the sidelines as Australia began their reply.
Instead of Khawaja's steadying presence, the responsibility of facing the first ball fell to Jake Weatherald, who was living out his boyhood dream on his Test debut. The 31-year-old, who hadn't opened the batting in his previous 20 first-class innings, was thrust into the spotlight for the biggest moment of his cricketing life.
Dream Start Evaporates in a Heartbeat for Debutant
Facing the express pace of Jofra Archer, Weatherald survived the first delivery. His dream, however, was shattered on the second ball. Attempting a leg-side shot, Weatherald was struck on the pads and clattered to the turf. England's loud LBW appeal was initially turned down, but their decision to review proved correct, with technology showing the ball would have hit the stumps.
Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a second-ball duck on his Test debut, a brutally tough introduction to the Ashes arena. To add to Australia's frustration, Khawaja was still not permitted to bat when the wicket fell, forcing Steve Smith to the crease earlier than anticipated.
While Weatherald's day ended in disappointment, Australia's other debutant enjoyed a far more successful introduction to Test cricket. Speedster Brendan Doggett, also 31, bowled with impressive pace and finished with respectable figures of 2-27. His bouncer accounted for the dangerous Harry Brook (52), and he also claimed the wicket of Brydon Carse, who was rattled by a delivery that struck him flush on the helmet.
Despite Doggett's encouraging contribution, the day was defined by Starc's magnificent seven-wicket haul, putting Australia in a commanding position after the first day's play in Perth.
