The Gabba was electric from the very first ball as Mitchell Starck delivered his pink Kookaburra with menacing intent, sending a clear message to the English batsmen: there would be no easy starts today.
England’s innings began disastrously. Opener Ben Duckett fell for a golden duck, edged to slip off Starck’s first-over out-swinger. Former England captain Michael Vaughan described it as “the worst possible start,” and indeed, Starck’s relentless precision threatened to reduce England to rubble.
Ollie Pope’s departure for a duck in the third ball of Starck’s second over left England staggering at 5/2, confirming the Australian fast bowler’s habit of taking early wickets. By then, it was clear that the first day at the Gabba would be dominated by Starck’s ferocity.
However, England found some reprieve through Joe Root and Jack Crawley. The duo batted with caution, rebuilding after the early blows. By tea, Root and Crawley had put together a 93-run partnership from 129 balls, ensuring England avoided a total collapse. Root remained unbeaten on 32 and Crawley on 61.
Starck’s early-strike pattern is notable. He has now claimed a wicket in the first over in four consecutive Test matches, a feat that began at Sabina Park and continued through Perth. Across these innings, Starck has claimed 26 first-over wickets in Test cricket, approaching James Anderson’s record of 29.
Beyond the records, Starck also surpassed Wasim Akram for the most wickets by a left-arm pacer in Tests, reaching 414 dismissals. This underlines not only his skill but also his consistency over a prolific career.
The match also had a somber moment. Both teams wore black armbands in memory of Robin Smith, the former England batsman who passed away on 1 December. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid officiated on-field, giving fans from Bangladesh an extra reason to tune in.
The day ended with England at 98/2 after 24 overs, a cautious yet resilient effort under the shadow of Starck’s early dominance. While Starck’s opening spell made headlines, it was Root and Crawley’s determination that preserved England’s innings and laid the foundation for the battle ahead.