Mitchell Starc Delights in Grinding Down England's Hopes
On a sunny day at the Gabba, Australia took to the crease in a bid to sample the state's finest vintage – but true connoisseurs knew that the real treat lay in watching Mitchell Starc dismantle England's top order with the ball. With 36 birthday celebrations still fresh in his mind, Starc showed no signs of slowing down as he arrived at the crease on day two and took the game away from England.
Having taken 6-75 in England's innings to add to his match figures of 10-113 in the first Test, Starc proved an elusive target for England's tailenders. While they favored a more aggressive approach, Starc was stoic, playing shorter lengths on merit and punishing the fuller ball with ease.
Starc's strike-rate touched 200 off the fuller ball, but back-of-a-length balls only went at 61 - marginally higher than his career rate of 49 to those deliveries. His display showcased why he is one of Australia's most feared bowlers – a testament to his exceptional skill and accuracy.
As Starc departed on the verge of dusk, caught by England captain Ben Stokes, the damage had already been done. Australia took a first-innings lead of 177 after being bowled out for 511. The victory would have dealt a crushing blow to England's hopes, leaving them staring down the barrel of another defeat.
Starc became only the fifth player since 1963 – and just the second after Mitchell Johnson – to make a five-for in the first innings and score a half-century in the second of an Ashes Test. His performance has sent shockwaves through English cricket circles, with former captain Alastair Cook describing him as "destroying England's top order with the ball and now he is breaking their hearts with the bat."
As Australia prepares to face India, Starc will be looking to continue his dominance over England. With his pink-ball exploits sending chills down the spines of English batsmen, it remains to be seen how they can contain this Australian ace.
On a sunny day at the Gabba, Australia took to the crease in a bid to sample the state's finest vintage – but true connoisseurs knew that the real treat lay in watching Mitchell Starc dismantle England's top order with the ball. With 36 birthday celebrations still fresh in his mind, Starc showed no signs of slowing down as he arrived at the crease on day two and took the game away from England.
Having taken 6-75 in England's innings to add to his match figures of 10-113 in the first Test, Starc proved an elusive target for England's tailenders. While they favored a more aggressive approach, Starc was stoic, playing shorter lengths on merit and punishing the fuller ball with ease.
Starc's strike-rate touched 200 off the fuller ball, but back-of-a-length balls only went at 61 - marginally higher than his career rate of 49 to those deliveries. His display showcased why he is one of Australia's most feared bowlers – a testament to his exceptional skill and accuracy.
As Starc departed on the verge of dusk, caught by England captain Ben Stokes, the damage had already been done. Australia took a first-innings lead of 177 after being bowled out for 511. The victory would have dealt a crushing blow to England's hopes, leaving them staring down the barrel of another defeat.
Starc became only the fifth player since 1963 – and just the second after Mitchell Johnson – to make a five-for in the first innings and score a half-century in the second of an Ashes Test. His performance has sent shockwaves through English cricket circles, with former captain Alastair Cook describing him as "destroying England's top order with the ball and now he is breaking their hearts with the bat."
As Australia prepares to face India, Starc will be looking to continue his dominance over England. With his pink-ball exploits sending chills down the spines of English batsmen, it remains to be seen how they can contain this Australian ace.
! 36 and still killing it out there? That's crazy talk! He's got more skills than I've got keyboard skills when it comes to tearing apart some noobs online 
. The way he just carved through England's top order was insane. And now the Ashes are looking like a done deal for Australia 
. Starc is like the new king of Aussie cricket, and I'm here for it 
!
. I mean, yeah he's got skills and all that, but the way he's been bowling is just so predictable 
. He's basically just throwing the same old ball at these English batsmen and waiting for them to make a mistake. And what's up with him trying to "dismantle" their hopes? Sounds like some kind of marketing gimmick to me 
.
. 200 off the fuller ball? So what? He's still getting smashed for 75 on a day when he should've been bowling his best 
. And let's not forget, England's batting is actually pretty solid – they're just having a bad patch. It's not like Starc single-handedly won them the match or anything 
.
. Can't we just appreciate the game for what it is: a bunch of guys running around and hitting a ball? It's not as exciting as everyone makes it out to be 
.
he's literally unstoppable on these english pitches 
and that half century was just the cherry on top 
australia's in a great spot now, leading by 177 and looking like a solid chance at winning this series 
and england is literally getting destroyed by them 
. cant wait to see how australia takes on india now 
his display was fire 
i'm lowkey hyped 4 australia
. His accuracy and skill are unmatched, and that's why he's the one you fear most when watchin' him bowl 
️. I mean, who else can take down England's top order and then smash 'em with the bat too? 
. Australia's got a real shot at winnin' this Ashes series now, and it's all thanks to Starc's dominance 
️
australia is gonna crush india too 