Mitchell Starc Continues Tryst With First-Over Strikes, Equals Wasim Akram's Records In Tests

Australia vs England: The Australian bowling mainstay, Mitchell Starc, continued his streak of knocking over batters in the first over during the ongoing second Ashes Test against England on Thursday. On Day 1 of the Brisbane Test, Starc removed England batter Ben Duckett for a first-ball duck, which was also the final delivery of the first over. Pink-ball Tests certainly bring out the best in Starc, as he is the leading wicket-taker (83) with that particular ball.

Australian Test captain Pat Cummins is second, however, with 43 wickets (40 fewer than Starc).

In his next over, the left-arm quick removed Ollie Pope, who chopped it back onto his stumps as he went back for nought. With these strikes, Starc became the only player in the world to take 20 wickets against a team with a pink ball.

Also Read: ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Day 1 Live Scorecard

Also, the 35-year-old is sitting on top of the list featuring bowlers with the most wickets in the first over of a Test match. The pacer has taken 26 wickets, followed by James Anderson (19) and Kemar Roach (10) in the list.

Most Wickets Against A Team In Pink Ball Tests

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)

Mitchell Starc Equals Wasim Akram

Interestingly, Starc is just one wicket away from breaking Wasim Akram's tally of 414 wickets in Test matches. Starc achieved the milestone of 414 wickets in 102 games, which is better than Akram's 104.

Also Read: England, Australia players wear black armbands for this reason during 2nd Test

England 84/2 After 20 Overs

Despite losing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope early in the innings, England's Zak Crawley and Joe Root have steadied the innings with an unbeaten stand for the third wicket.

England won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia.