Ash 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 Pink-Ball match of Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, spearheading with the left arm Mitchell Starc produced a sensational opening to dismiss Ben Duckett for a golden duck. England, who had opted to bat first under the lights, were startled early and were under immediate pressure.

Mitchell Starc produces a beauty to dismiss Ben Duckett

Starc’s impact was immediate. When the last ball of the opening was over, he delivered a trademark full, late-moving ball at 88.1mph – a ball that was too tempting for Duckett to leave. True to his aggressive style, Duckett poked at it with uncertain footwork, but got a big outside edge. Standing at the first slip, Marnus Labuschagne dived forward to complete a sharp catch, prompting cheers among the Australian fielders.

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

Here’s the video:

Another first over wicket for Mitchell Starc, it’s routine for this guy to take wickets in First Over, Duckett departs for a DUCK. pic.twitter.com/YuGPdM6311

— U’ (@toxifyxe) December 4, 2025

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Starc is on the verge of surpassing the legendary pacer in Tests

Starc’s momentum continued in his next over where he removed Ollie Popetightening Australia’s grip and leaving England behind just minutes into the Test. The double blow not only put England on the back foot but also lifted the atmosphere in Adelaide as the hosts’ fast-bowling cartel began circling a vulnerable top order.

In addition to the impact of the match, Starc’s early breakthroughs were historically significant. His two wickets in the opening spell saw him become: The first bowler in the world to claim 20 pink-ball Test wickets against a single opponent, demonstrating his unparalleled dominance under lights.

He also tied the score with the Pakistani legend Wasim Akram on 414 Test wickets, tying the record for most Test wickets by a left-arm pacer.
Starc reached the milestone in 102 Tests, surpassing Akram, who needed 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 | Ash 2025-26