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PERTH: Australia pacer Mitchell Starc marked his name among Ashes greats on a dramatic opening day at Optus Stadium, producing a blistering spell that dismantled England and carried him to a major personal milestone.
The left-arm quick ransacked the visitors with a sensational 7-for, helping bowl England out for 172 in the second session on Friday.
Starc’s haul not only turned the momentum sharply in Australia’s favour but also etched him into Ashes history. With his 100th wicket in the storied rivalry, he became just the 21st bowler, and the 13th Australian, to reach the landmark.
He joins Nathan Lyon as the only active players in either squad with 100-plus Ashes wickets; Lyon currently sits at 110. Starc reached the feat in 23 Tests.
England’s innings offered flickers of resistance through Harry Brook’s brisk 52 and Ollie Pope’s 46 before they folded after Lunch.
However, the script flipped just as dramatically in the final session.
In a day that turned into a pace-bowling spectacle, Ben Stokes led a fierce English response with a commanding 5-23, dragging his side back into the contest and stunning the Australian top order.
By stumps, Australia were reeling at 123-9, still 49 runs behind, as 19 wickets fell in a single day of gripping, high-octane cricket.
READ: Stokes sparks England comeback on 19-wicket opening day of Ashes
