England walked into the second Test at the Gabba trailing 1–0 in the five-match Ashes series, and Ben Stokes backed his side by choosing to bat first on a fresh Brisbane surface. The pitch had a light cover of grass, and the conditions were perfect for swing with the pink ball under lights—something Australia’s Mitchell Starc was more than happy to take advantage of.
Starc has built a reputation over the years for striking early in the innings, regardless of the format or the colour of the ball. Once again, he showed why Australia rely on him to set the tone. With the final delivery of the opening over, he produced an absolute beauty to remove Ben Duckett and give his team the ideal start.
Coming over the wicket to the left-hander, Starc landed the ball on a teasing good length around off stump. The pink ball straightened just enough after pitching, drawing Duckett forward into a defensive push. The movement was late and sharp, and all Duckett could manage was a thin edge that flew straight to Marnus Labuschagne at first slip.
The breakthrough didn’t slow Starc down. Returning for his next over, he immediately turned up the pressure on Ollie Pope. After surviving the first couple of balls, Pope attempted to free his arms on a short and wide delivery. Instead, he chopped the ball back onto his stumps, gifting Australia their second early wicket.
Another first over wicket for Mitchell Starc, it's the routine for this bloke to take wickets in First Over, Duckett departs for a DUCK. pic.twitter.com/YuGPdM6311
— U' (@toxifyxe) December 4, 2025
Starc celebrated with a roar as his teammates swarmed around him, fully aware of how important another early strike was in a day-night Test. The Gabba crowd enjoyed every bit of it, feeding off the momentum their side had built within the first few overs.
As always, social media lit up in admiration. Fans and analysts praised Starc for once again proving why he is one of cricket’s most lethal new-ball bowlers. The “first-over wicket specialist” tag resurfaced on Twitter as supporters applauded his ability to deliver breakthroughs precisely when Australia needed them most.