'If he gets it right, he's a wicket-taking machine' - Ricky Ponting heaps praises on Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc sent down thunderbolts that were too good for the England willow wielders on Day One of the 1st Ashes Test match at The Gabba in Brisbane. The left-arm seamer scalped 2 wickets and leaked only 35 runs in his 12 overs, as England were shot out for just 147 in the first innings.

And now, former Australian skipper and cricketing colossus Ricky Ponting has offered his thoughts on Starc. Ponting admitted that there was some negativity around Starc but said that the left-arm pacer has the habit of taking wickets with the new ball. Ponting also added that whether it is limited overs cricket or Test match cricket, Starc is the wicket-taking machine for the Australian side.

“I know there’s been some negativity around about Mitchell Starc, but that’s what he does, he takes wickets with the new ball. Whether it be a red ball or a white ball, if he gets it right, he’s a wicket-taking machine,” said Ponting while speaking on Channel 7.

Pat Cummins shatters England with a five-wicket haul on captaincy debut

The first day undoubtedly belonged to Pat Cummins. The right-arm pacer picked up a five-wicket haul and rattled the England batting line up on captaincy debut. The Aussie skipper was also very economical, and leaked runs at a rate of just 2.88 per over. Josh Hazlewood also picked up 2 crucial wickets, including the one of England captain Joe Root for a duck.

England put up a horrific show with the willow in hand on the 1st Day. Just 4 England batters could even score in double digits, and as many as 3 England batters were dismissed without opening their accounts as well. Rain forced an early close of play on the first day, with the final session getting washed out.