Mitchell Starc etched his name into the Ashes record books on Saturday, November 22, becoming the first fast bowler in 12 years to claim a 10-wicket haul in the iconic rivalry. The Australian left-arm quick delivered a devastating performance in Perth, dismantling England across both innings and reinforcing his status as one of the most impactful bowlers of his generation.
Ashes 1st Test, Day 2 Updates | Scorecard
Starc’s dominance continued seamlessly from the first innings into the second. He struck early, removing opener Zak Crawley for a second consecutive duck. Much like the first innings, Crawley’s stay at the crease was brief, lasting just five balls before he was caught and bowled by Starc, who found immediate rhythm with the new ball.
Joe Root became Starc’s next victim, falling after a brief resistance, prolonging England’s struggle against the relentless pace attack. But the biggest moment came in the second session of Day 2, when Starc dismissed England captain Ben Stokes. Stokes, who had claimed a five-wicket haul on Friday to keep England in the contest, could only muster 2 runs from 11 balls before edging one to Australia’s captain Steve Smith at slip. The wicket underscored Starc’s knack for producing breakthroughs at pivotal moments.
The milestone performance also elevated Starc into elite company within the World Test Championship (WTC). With his haul in Perth, he became just the third bowler to reach 200 wickets in the WTC, joining fellow Australians Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins at the top of the wicket-takers’ list. The achievement highlights Starc’s consistency across formats and cycles, particularly in high-pressure contests.
Starc’s 10-wicket haul places him among some of the great bowling displays in Ashes history. Before him, the last pacer to achieve the feat was Stuart Broad, who took 11 wickets at Chester-le-Street in 2013. Other memorable performances in the rivalry include James Anderson’s 10-for at Nottingham in 2013, Craig McDermott’s 11 wickets in Perth in 1991, and Dennis Lillee’s 11-wicket show at The Oval in 1981.
Notable Ashes 10-wicket hauls by pacers:
- Mitchell Starc (AUS) – 10 wickets – Perth, 2025
- Stuart Broad (ENG) – 11 wickets – Chester-le-Street, 2013
- James Anderson (ENG) – 10 wickets – Nottingham, 2013
- Craig McDermott (AUS) – 11 wickets – Perth, 1991
Starc’s performance in Perth not only gave Australia a chance but also reinforced the enduring value of pace bowling in the Ashes. As he added his name to a storied list of bowling greats, the achievement served as a reminder of just how destructive Starc can be when at full tilt—especially on the biggest stage in world cricket.
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