Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has kicked off the 2021 Ashes series in the best possible fashion, claiming the wicket of English opener Rory Burns with the first ball of the Brisbane Test.
Following an intense build-up to the opening Test of the summer, Starc's opening delivery claimed Burns' leg-stump as the opener played and missed at a ball drifting away and then into his wicket.
The wicket forced first-drop batsman Dawid Malan to the crease, who joined Haseeb Hameed at 1-0.
Both sides confirmed their XIs for the opening Test, with England captain Joe Root opting to bat first on the green Gabba pitch.
The perfect Starc! #Ashes
— James McKern (@jLmcKern) December 8, 2021
Players who've taken a wicket on the first ball of an #Ashes Test match:
Arthur Coningham (ENG vs AUS, Melbourne, 1894)
Maurice Tate (AUS vs ENG, Leeds, 1926)
Ernie McCormick (ENG vs AUS, Brisbane, 1936)
MITCHELL STARC (ENG vs AUS, Brisbane 2021— Azza (@azzajewell) December 8, 2021
FIRST BALL!! Holy!! Starcy’s bowled Burns! What a way to open this match! That’s crazy! What a ball! 😱🔥 #Ashes
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) December 8, 2021
INSANE! FIRST BALL OF THE SERIES AND HES GOOOOOOONE 🤯🤯 #Ashes
— Jarrad (@JarradHD) December 8, 2021
