Starc makes history, Josh Inglis stuns: The biggest Ashes moments on day 1 in Brisbane
Mitch Starc has broken records while Joe Root has finally conquered Australia as day one at the Gabba delivered spectacular Ashes moments. Relive them all here.
One day in, it’s fair to declare that this one probably won’t be done in two days.
From Mitch Starc’s record-breaking wickets to Joe Root’s magical ton in England’s impressive first day performance, these were the biggest moments from on Thursday at the Gabba.
MITCH STARC MANIA
Yep, the first over king did it again! Zak Crawley got away from Starc, but Ben Duckett wasn’t so lucky, edging off his first rock straight into the pouch of Marnus Labuschagne.
But the left-armer had a bit more in the tank next-up, knocking over England’s no. 3 Ollie Pope.
Pope played well in the first dig at Perth, but will be thinking about that shot for a long, long time.
OPPORTUNITY BLOWN?
Under all sorts of pressure heading into Brisbane, Zak Crawley made a strong start to his innings in Brisbane. But should it have ended on 15?
There was some interest behind the stumps after this ball landed in Alex Carey’s mitts and replays showed, the Aussies should have reviewed it.
Crawley’s Test average is 30, but it’s 74 when he gets past that mark.
Crawley made them pay, finishing on 76.
NESER’S BIG BREAK
It was looking a little dreary for the Aussies coming out of the tea break, before an effort ball from Michael Neser struck a blow back.
Zak Crawley was cruising to a century, rotating the strike with ease, but that one kept slightly lower and an easy catch for Alex Carey behind the stumps.
Just when the game looked to be getting away, the surprised inclusion stepped up.
WHEN IN DOUBT, GET THE BIG MAN ON
This is the ball that made Mitch Starc the most prolific left-armed quick in Test match history.
Not his finest, but he’ll take it!
Half-volley outside the off stump and Harry Brook can’t resist, but a little extra bounce grabs that thick edge and Steve Smith snares it.
Even if it seemed he didn’t see that ball whatsoever.
THE MOMENT OF MAGIC AUSTRALIA NEEDED
Once again, it was getting a little slow and boring out there, then some confusion and a little bit of magic was the spark for a fire.
Ben Stokes hit and ran to get off-strike, but Joe Root said no thanks and Josh Inglis struck.
With just one pole to hit, you wouldn’t know he’s normally a wicketkeeper.
And that opened the door for Scotty Boland to nibble one back through the gate.
ROOT GETS THE MONKEY OFF THE BACK
Four tours in, England’s greatest ever batsman finally has a Test match century in Australia.
He’s made good scores before, but this one felt different, aside from a couple of poor LBW reviews, Root was hardly troubled.
The monkey off the back for one of the best ever, and he piled on the pain with Jofra Archer late to give England a monster first-innings total.
CATCH OF THE SUMMER
Alex Carey channelling his AFL roots, looking like Jonathan Brown or Nick Riewoldt to take an absolute ripper to dismiss Gus Atkinson.
Marnus Labuschagne did his best to get in the way, but the wicketkeeper gloves came in handy for the once-GWS Giant.
Originally published as Starc makes history, Josh Inglis stuns: The biggest Ashes moments on day 1 in Brisbane
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