The lights shone bright over Brisbane as Mitchell Starc turned the Ashes Test into his own personal stage. Already the chief executioner with six wickets, Starc returned with the bat and unleashed a defiant 77 that sent England spiralling into deeper trouble. Australia’s total of 511—built on grit, discipline and unshakeable lower-order partnerships—placed the hosts 177 runs ahead and firmly in command.
England entered the third day hoping for quick breakthroughs. Instead, they encountered resistance of the highest order. Starc and Scott Boland dug in with unwavering determination, batting together for over 27 overs. Every scoring shot, every leaving movement, every block added weight to England’s mounting frustration. When Starc finally fell, caught off Brydon Carse, his job had been done: Australia were beyond 500, and England’s hopes had dimmed.
The scoreboard told one story, but the manner of Australia’s innings told another. Not a single century was scored—yet five players passed fifty. Weatherald’s 72, Labuschagne’s 65, Smith’s 61 and Carey’s 63 all built the foundation, before Starc produced the innings of the day. Five batters dismissed between 60 and 80 is a rarity almost unheard of in Test cricket.
But England’s misery did not end there. Starc’s runs elevated him to the highest-scoring No. 9 in Test history, surpassing Stuart Broad. He also became the first Australian since 2013 to claim a five-for and score a fifty in an Ashes Test—echoing the feats of Mitchell Johnson at this very ground.
When England came out to bat, there was at last a hint of defiance. Crawley and Duckett smashed 45 from just six overs, running hard, hitting freely, and refusing to be cowed. It was a flicker of light in an otherwise dark day.
Yet the challenge remains immense. England still trail by 132 and must prepare for another barrage from Starc and company. The Ashes may still have twists left, but at the moment, Australia’s grip appears unshakeable.