Mitchell Starc does it in the first over again - Nearing a rare record

Cricket

First-Over Specialist

Australia’s pace ace Mitchell Starc is known for picking wickets in the very first over of Test innings, making him a nightmare for opening batsmen

26 Wickets and Counting

As of the second Ashes Test on December 4, 2025, Starc has claimed 26 wickets in the first over of a Test innings, putting him second all-time behind James Anderson (29)

Recent Heroics in Ashes 2025

In the 2nd Ashes Test, Starc dismissed England opener Ben Duckett for a golden duck with the final ball of the first over, setting the tone for Australia

First Test Feats

In the 1st Test at Perth, Starc took the wicket of Zak Crawley for a duck in the first over of both innings, showing his consistent early-strike ability

Formidable Pink-Ball Record

Starc’s early breakthroughs have been a major asset for Australia, especially in day-night Tests. He is currently the world’s leading wicket-taker with the pink ball

A First-Over Threat

His recent wicket of Duckett marked his sixth first-over wicket in the last four Tests, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most dangerous opening bowlers in Test cricket today

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