Australia speedster Mitchell Starc created history in the first Test match of the Ashes at The Optus Stadium in Perth. He has become the first Australian fast bowler to take a ten-wicket haul in an Ashes Test since the 1990–91 series. The last Aussie pacer to do it was Craig McDermott, who finished with 11/157 in Perth during the final Test of that series. That match was played at the old WACA Stadium, and Australia went on to win the series 3–0.
Second left-arm speedster from Australia to take a ten-fer in Ashes history
Apart from that, Starc becomes the second left-arm fast bowler from Australia to take a ten-fer in Ashes history. The first was Bruce Reid, who played 27 Tests between 1985 and 1992 and took 113 wickets in his career. Reid grabbed 13/148 in the Melbourne Test of the same 1990–91 Ashes series in which McDermott shone. That was one of the best-ever performances by Australian speedsters in the Ashes.
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Starc's dominance against Ben Stokes and Joe Root
Starc also holds a massive dominance against Ben Stokes and Joe Root as the speedster dismissed Stokes 11 times in Test cricket. Against him, he has given away just 191 runs from 309 balls, averaging an outstanding 17.36. He removed Root for the 10th time in Test cricket. Root has scored 349 runs from 639 balls against him at an average of 34.90.
Travis Head's century keep Australia in check
Coming back to the Ashes opener, after being asked to chase 205 runs, Australia's destructive opener, Travis Head, smashed a 69-ball century in the second to keep England in check. Head who was featuring for the 37th time for Australia, became the 29th Australian player to reach 4,000 Test runs. He has crossed 4,050 runs from 61 matches at 42-plus. In addition to 10 tons, he also have 20 fifties. He also completed 1,000 Ashes runs during his stay. This was his third Test hundred against England.