Ashes 2021-22: Mitchell Starc registers unique Ashes record after dismissing Rory Burns for a duck

Former Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath says that in an Ashes series, the first over is very important. It sets the tone for the remainder of the series. Mitchell Starc surely followed McGrath’s teachings and bowled an absolute ripper on his very first delivery at the Gabba to send Rory Burns back to the pavilion for a duck. Starc thus became the second bowler after Ernie McCormick in the history of Ashes to pick a wicket of the first ball of the series. Burns, who was shaping up to defend the ball, could only watch the ball shatter the leg stump.

Meanwhile, Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins got his captaincy stint off to a bright start. The 28-year-old was smart with his captaincy moves and rotated the bowlers well. Hazlewood gave England a massive jolt as he dismissed England’s main batter and skipper Root for zero. By the lunch, England were tottering at 59-4. The script didn't change much for the visitors after lunch as Cummins got into the action with five wickets. The team was eventually bowled out for 147.

Jos Buttler top-scored for England with 39. Haseeb Hameed and Ollie Pope also got starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Meanwhile, England have dropped senior pacer Stuart Broad from the playing XI and went in with Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood. Jack Leach is the lone spinner. England bowlers have to bounce back stronger from this shocking performance if they have to keep the team alive in the game.