Mitchell Starc gave Australia just the beginning they wanted on Friday in the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium, summoning a scorching opening spell that saw England's top order fold within the first 10 overs. The left-arm fast bowler picked up three quick wickets, including Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root, and also reached a major Ashes milestone. Starc Removes Crawley in the First Over Mitchell Starc struck in the last ball of his first over to remove England opener Zak Crawley and set the tone for Australia. For Starc, this is the seventh time in Test cricket that he has taken a wicket in the very first over of a match, indicative of his habit of providing early breakthroughs. A hard-length ball, angled across outside off, by Starc. Crawley pushed at it, playing with no footwork, trying to drive on the rise. That's extra bounce, a bit of movement, and the outside edge is taken. Usman Khawaja fumbles the catch at first slip but holds on, first wicket for Australia. Watch the video here: WHO ELSE!!! The first wicket of the Ashes, and it was a peach of a delivery!#cricket #ashes #theashes #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/FSU53qiQpt — Kayo Sports (@kayosports) November 21, 2025 Also Read | Ashes 2025-26: Why Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood Miss the First Test Duckett and Root Fall as Starc Turns Up the Heat In the 6th over, a swinging ball from Starc sent Ben Duckett back in front. The batter did review the call, but the replays showed no bat was involved, and the ball-tracking system confirmed three reds. Duckett had to walk back for 21 as England slipped further. Soon after, Starc picked his third wicket when Joe Root was dismissed for a duck. He bowled a skiddy delivery on a back of length that pitched on leg stump and moved away sharply. With the seam movement opening him up, Root edged it to Marnus Labuschagne at third slip. Though the ball popped in his hands, Labuschagne held onto it, giving Starc a dream first spell. Starc Reaches 100 Ashes Tests Wickets With these wickets, Mitchell Starc completed 100 wickets in Ashes Tests, becoming: The 21st bowler overall to reach the milestone The first left-arm fast bowler ever to take 100 Ashes wickets Holder of the best strike rate - 44.8 - among the 21 bowlers who have reached this mark An early burst from Starc set England back on their heels and gave Australia strong control of the opening session of the historic series.