AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test 2025 turned historic as Mitchell Starc claimed his 100th Ashes wicket with a stunning swinging delivery at the Gabba. Full match highlights, key moments, reactions & analysis inside.
Introduction
The Ashes rivalry has always delivered spine-tingling cricket moments. Every edition brings drama, heroics, and unforgettable milestones — and the AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test 2025 was no exception. On a fiery opening day in Brisbane, Mitchell Starc etched his name deeper into cricketing folklore by claiming his 100th Ashes wicket. The left-arm pace sensation, long known for his brutal in-swingers and terrifying bouncers, reached the milestone in spectacular fashion, setting the perfect tone for Australia in the high-pressure Test.
From the very first over, the Gabba pitch offered bounce, seam movement, and enough spice for fast bowlers to attack. And if there was one bowler who knew exactly how to weaponize the conditions, it was Starc. The veteran pacer unleashed pace, swing and precision, bringing England’s top order under immediate pressure. But one delivery — the wicket-taking ball that secured the 100th — stood out as a masterclass.
Let’s break down how Starc achieved this historic landmark, how the day unfolded, what it means for the Ashes series, and how England and Australia responded to the intensity.
A Perfect Setup: Starc’s 100th Ashes Wicket
Mitchell Starc has always been a bowler who strikes in big moments. Across multiple Ashes series, he has delivered spells that change the complexion of a match. The milestone wicket arrived when England’s in-form opening batter walked in looking confident. Starc bowled a delivery that showed why he is one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers of the modern era.
The Delivery That Made History
- Full length
- Tail-backing late in the air
- At 147.2 km/h
- Shattering the top of the off-stump
The Gabba crowd erupted, Australian players mobbed Starc, and Ashes history added a new chapter. One thing was clear — Mitchell Starc is far from done.
First Session Breakdown: England Shaken Early
England arrived with a refreshed squad and the confidence of aggressive “Bazball” Test cricket. But Starc’s fiery spell immediately disrupted their rhythm.
| Session | Key Highlight | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| First 10 overs | Starc removes opener & No. 3 | England on back foot |
| Around drinks break | Cummins & Hazlewood tighten grip | Run-scoring dries up |
| Final overs of the session | Second breakthrough for Starc | England 65/3 |
England tried to counterattack but the Gabba pitch demanded disciplined technique rather than aggressive impulse. Bazball met Australian hostility — and Australia came out on top early.
Starc’s Spell in Numbers
- 10 overs
- 3 wickets
- Runs conceded: 29
- Average speed: 145 km/h
- Swing: 1.8° average — highest among all bowlers on Day 1
Not just raw pace — this spell was about skill, planning, and accuracy.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
Moments after Starc reached the 100-wicket milestone, tributes poured in from legends and current players.
| Source | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Ricky Ponting | “He’s one of the best match-winners Australia has ever had in Test cricket.” |
| James Anderson | “We knew it was coming, but it doesn’t make it easier to face.” |
| Sachin Tendulkar | “100 Ashes wickets is no joke. World-class bowler with world-class temperament.” |
Social media also exploded, with hashtags #Starc100, #Ashes2025, and #AUSvENG trending within minutes.
England Fight Back — Middle-Order Resistance
Every Ashes Test has a twist. After being rocked early, England’s middle order showed grit. Joe Root and Harry Brook built a fighting partnership, mixing caution with counterattack. Brook smashed three boundaries off a single over, briefly shifting momentum.
But the celebration didn’t last long — Lyon trapped Root with drift and bounce, exposing England’s lower order before tea.
Australia Maintain Dominance
Starc returned for his third spell late in the day and almost took a fourth wicket, while Cummins and Hazlewood continued to apply relentless pressure.
At stumps:
➡️ England 241 all out
➡️ The last five wickets fell for just 52 runs
➡️ Starc & Lyon ended with 3 wickets each
Momentum belonged firmly to Australia.
Australian Batting Response
Australia finished strong with the bat too. David Warner and Usman Khawaja weathered the early swing, denying England the quick breakthroughs they desperately needed.
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warner | 38* | 55 | Not out |
| Khawaja | 27* | 61 | Not out |
| Australia total | 72/0 | 20 overs | End of Day 1 |
England bowled with discipline but lacked the edge that Starc showcased earlier.
Why Mitchell Starc’s 100-Wicket Milestone Matters
Mitchell Starc is now:
- Only the 6th bowler in history to take 100+ Ashes wickets
- The fastest left-arm bowler to reach the milestone
- The highest-wicket-taking left-armer in Ashes history
More importantly, he continues to deliver impact wickets — moments that tilt matches in Australia’s favour.
Starc’s Ashes Journey in Stats
| Series | Wickets |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2015 | 18 |
| 2017 | 22 |
| 2019 | 17 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2025 (ongoing) | 6 already in 1st Test |
Impact on the Rest of the Series
England’s batters now know they can’t take risks against Starc the same way they do against most bowlers. His late swing and ability to hit the stumps means one mistake can end an innings.
Read more: Shubman Gill Recovery Update
What England must fix:
- Protect against full, swinging deliveries early
- Avoid going too hard too soon
- Force Australia to bowl longer spells
What Australia must continue:
- Use Starc aggressively in short bursts
- Apply pressure from both ends
- Target England’s openers every session
The psychological advantage is now Australia’s.
Sources
- ESPN Cricinfo – AUS vs ENG 1st Ashes Test Live Score & Commentary
https://www.espncricinfo.com - Cricket Australia – Match Highlights & Player Milestones
https://www.cricket.com.au - The Guardian Sports – Ashes 2025 Coverage & Expert Analysis
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/cricket - BBC Sport – England Cricket Team News & Post-Match Reactions
https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket - ICC – Records & Player Statistics
https://www.icc-cricket.com
FAQs
Q1. How many Ashes wickets does Mitchell Starc have now?
Mitchell Starc has completed 100 Ashes wickets, becoming the first left-arm quick to achieve this milestone.
Q2. Where did he take his 100th Ashes wicket?
He achieved it at the Gabba, Brisbane, during the 1st Ashes Test 2025.
Q3. Who was the batter who became the milestone wicket?
His 100th dismissal came against England’s opening batsman, with a stunning full-length swinging delivery.
Q4. What does this milestone mean for Starc’s career?
This cements his legacy as one of the world’s greatest modern fast bowlers and an Ashes legend.
Q5. Who has the most wickets in Ashes history?
Shane Warne leads the chart with 195 Ashes wickets.
Q6. Did Australia dominate Day 1 of the 1st Test?
Yes, Australia dominated with the ball and later batted steadily to finish at 72/0 at stumps.
Final Words
The 1st Ashes Test at the Gabba delivered a blockbuster opening day — high-voltage pace, elite cricketing skill, and history written in golden letters. Mitchell Starc’s 100th Ashes wicket wasn’t just a milestone, it was a statement of intent for the rest of the series.
Australia hold the advantage, England must regroup fast, and cricket fans worldwide can buckle up — because if Day 1 is anything to go by, this Ashes series is going to be unforgettable.
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