Ashes 2025-26 [WATCH]: Mitchell Starc removes Ben Duckett for a golden duck on Day 1 of Pink-Ball Test

Australia enjoyed a dream start in the Day 1 Pink-Ball contest of the second Ashes Test in Gabba, as left-arm spearhead Mitchell Starc produced a sensational opening over to dismiss Ben Duckett for a golden duck. England, having chosen to bat first under the lights, were rocked early and found themselves under immediate pressure.

Mitchell Starc produces a beauty to dismiss Ben Duckett

Starc’s impact was immediate. With the last ball of the opening over, he delivered a trademark full, late-moving delivery at 142.2 kph—a ball too tempting for Duckett to leave. True to his aggressive style, Duckett poked at it with uncertain footwork, only to get a thick outside edge. Standing at first slip, Marnus Labuschagne dived forward to complete a sharp catch, triggering jubilation among the Australian fielders.

The dismissal marked Starc’s third first-over wicket of the series, underlining both his mastery with the pink ball and his ability to strike before the opposition settles.

Here’s the video:

Another first over wicket for Mitchell Starc, it's the routine for this bloke to take wickets in First Over, Duckett departs for a DUCK.

— U' (@toxifyxe)

Also READ: AUS vs ENG, Ashes 2025-26: Brisbane Weather Forecast for the Pink-Ball Test

Starc on verge of surpassing legendary pacer in Tests

Starc’s momentum carried into his very next over, where he removed Ollie Pope, tightening Australia’s hold and leaving England reeling mere minutes into the Test. The twin blows not only put England on the back foot but also heightened the atmosphere in Adelaide as the hosts’ fast-bowling cartel began to circle around a vulnerable top order.

Alongside the match impact, Starc’s early breakthroughs were historically significant. His two wickets in the opening spell ensured he became: The first bowler in the world to claim 20 pink-ball Test wickets against a single opponent, showcasing his unmatched dominance under lights.

He also levelled with Pakistani legend Wasim Akram at 414 Test wickets, tying the record for the most Test wickets by a left-arm pacer.
Starc achieved the milestone in 102 Tests, surpassing Akram, who required 104 matches to reach the same figure. With one more dismissal, Starc is poised to become the leading left-arm fast-bowler in Test history.

Also READ: 3 Australian players who can trouble England in the pink-ball Test at Gabba | Ashes 2025-26