Starc’s ‘Century of Destruction’ Shatters England in Perth Carnage!

Australia may have been without two pillars of their pace attack—Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood—but Mitchell Starc made sure their absence went almost unnoticed. The left-arm fast bowler produced one of the most electrifying spells of his Ashes career, ripping through England and skittling them for a meagre 172 on the opening day of the first Test in Perth.

Starc was simply unstoppable. With pace, swing and relentless accuracy, he dismantled England’s batting order, claiming 7 wickets, earning his 17th Test five-for, and—most notably—reaching a historic milestone.

Within just six overs of his opening spell, Starc took an ‘unusual century’ of his own: by dismissing England’s first three batters, he became the 13th Australian bowler to reach 100 Ashes wickets, a moment that firmly cements his name among the greats.

Early Damage: England Crumble Under Starc’s Heat

Right from his first over, England were shaken. Starc removed Zak Crawley with a delivery that angled in sharply, triggering a collapse that the visitors never recovered from. Ben Duckett followed soon after, trapped lbw by a vicious late-swinger.

The biggest prize, however, was Joe Root. The former England captain lasted only seven balls before edging behind for a duck, a moment that pushed Starc past the 100-wicket landmark in Ashes cricket. For England, it was a symbolic blow; for Australia, a statement of dominance.

Starc went on to dismantle the middle and lower order, finishing with figures that underline his status as one of the most lethal Ashes bowlers of the modern era.

A Growing Legacy: Starc’s Ashes Record

With 104 wickets in 43 Ashes innings, Starc has climbed the ranks rapidly, reinforcing his reputation as a match-winner on cricket’s toughest stage. His career Ashes average of 26.79 and strike rate of 45 speak volumes about his ability to break partnerships and intimidate even the best batters.

Below is the updated list of Australia’s highest wicket-takers in Ashes history:

Australia’s Most Successful Ashes Bowlers

England Left Searching for Answers

While England were outplayed in every department, nothing defined their struggle more starkly than Starc’s opening burst. A combination of poor shot selection and unplayable deliveries left their line-up in tatters. With such an explosive start to the series, the pressure now sits firmly on England’s shoulders heading into the second innings.

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