The second Test of the Ashes 2025–26 series exploded to life in Brisbane as Mitchell Starc delivered a sensational opening burst that left England reeling. With movement under bright morning skies and the pink ball talking immediately, Starc struck twice in his first two overs, putting Australia firmly in control before the match had even settled.
Starc’s Electric Opening Spell
Mitchell Starc has long been known for his deadly first overs in Test cricket, and he once again lived up to that reputation. His very first delivery set the tone — sharp, full, and challenging — and it took only moments for England to feel the tremors.
Starc dismissed Ben Duckett for a golden duck, drawing an edge that flew cleanly into the slip cordon. Just an over later, Ollie Pope was undone by a vicious in-swinger that crashed into his stumps. Those two early blows reduced England to 5 for 2, triggering panic in the dressing room and silencing the travelling Barmy Army.
England Lose the Plot Early
Even as Zak Crawley tried to steady the innings, the psychological damage had been done. England’s famed Bazball approach — bold, brisk, and fearless — suddenly appeared reckless in the face of Australia’s disciplined, hostile pace attack.
What was meant to be a confident start after winning the toss quickly morphed into damage control. Technical flaws were exposed, footwork looked unsettled, and shot selection grew tentative. In conditions where patience was required, England’s top order seemed overwhelmed.
Australia’s Tactical Gamble Pays Off
Australia entered the Test with a bold selection call, leaving out veteran spinner Nathan Lyon in favour of a four-pronged pace attack. On a pitch offering early assistance and with the pink ball primed for movement, the decision proved inspired.
Starc led the charge with fiery pace, while the rest of the seamers maintained relentless pressure. England’s batters found no breathing room, no loose deliveries, and no escape route from the chokehold Australia had engineered.
