Overview:
Duckett’s dismissal marked the third straight Ashes innings in which Starc has struck in the opening over. He had earlier knocked over Zak Crawley for first-over ducks in both innings at Perth.
Mitchell Starc set the tone early in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba with an outstanding opening spell. After a dominant first Test, he maintained the pressure by removing Ben Duckett in the first over. In his next over, he struck again, this time dismissing Ollie Pope—leaving England in serious trouble right from the start. It’s worth noting that Starc is the all-time leading wicket-taker in Day-Night Test matches, with 83 scalps to his name, which is a massive lead over Pat Cummins, who sits in second place with 43 wickets.
Mitchell Starc’s double blow not only rattled England but also carved out a new milestone for the left-arm quick. With those wickets, he became the first bowler ever to claim 20 pink-ball scalps against a single opposition.
Another first over wicket for Mitchell Starc, it's the routine for this to take wickets in First Over, Duckett departs for a DUCK.
— ` (@Atomickohli17) December 4, 2025
pic.twitter.com/Jhx4uarl3o
Duckett’s dismissal marked the third straight Ashes innings in which Starc has struck in the opening over. He had earlier knocked over Zak Crawley for first-over ducks in both innings at Perth. The left-armer continues to dominate the opening exchanges in Tests, topping the list for wickets in the first over with 26. James Anderson (19) and Kemar Roach (10) trail him on that chart.
Most scalps against a team in day-night Test cricket
20 – Mitchell Starc vs ENG (6 inns)
17 – Mitchell Starc vs WI (6 inns)
16 – Shamar Joseph vs AUS (4 inns)
16 – Alzarri Joseph vs AUS (6 inns)
The Australian speedster has now moved alongside Wasim Akram on 414 Test wickets and is just one away from becoming the top left-arm fast bowler in Test cricket. Starc arrived at the figure in 102 Tests, outpacing Akram’s 104, although the Pakistan great required only 181 innings, compared to Starc’s 195.