### Mitchell Starc's Dominance: A Historic Performance in the 2025-26 Ashes Opener The first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series is currently underway in Perth, where Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has made headlines with his remarkable performance. Starc achieved a significant milestone by taking seven wickets in the first innings, showcasing his exceptional skills and fitness at the age of 35. His standout moment came when he dismissed England opener Zak Crawley not once, but twice, both times resulting in ducks, marking a rare and unwanted achievement for Crawley in the Ashes series [https://www.republicworld.com/cricket/mitchell-starc-dismiss-zak-crawley-for-second-consecutive-ashes-duck-perth, https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/zak-crawley-bags-twin-ducks-in-1st-ashes-test/story]. ### Breakdown of the Ashes Test Performance 1. **Mitchell Starc's Bowling Prowess** - Starc's performance included a seven-wicket haul in the first innings, demonstrating his ability to dominate the English batting lineup [https://www.republicworld.com/cricket/mitchell-starc-dismiss-zak-crawley-for-second-consecutive-ashes-duck-perth]. - He achieved a remarkable feat by dismissing Crawley in both innings, with the second dismissal coming via a stunning one-handed catch [https://thesportstak.com/cricket/ashes-2025-26/story/watch-mitchell-starcs-ashes-heroics-continue-takes-blinding-one-handed-catch-to-dismiss-zak-crawley-for-2nd-consecutive-duck-3216286-2025-11-22]. 2. **Zak Crawley's Unfortunate Record** - Crawley joined a list of English openers who have recorded a pair of ducks in an Ashes Test, a rare and disappointing statistic [https://thenewsmill.com/2025/11/crawley-joins-unwanted-list-after-pair-of-ducks-in-perth-ashes-test]. - His struggles at the crease were highlighted by his inability to provide a solid start for England, which ultimately affected the team's momentum [https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/zak-crawley-makes-second-duck-before-england-take-control-of-first-ashes-test/a478805398.html]. 3. **Impact on the Match** - Despite Crawley's setbacks, England managed to recover and take control of the match, showcasing the resilience of the team [https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/zak-crawley-makes-second-duck-before-england-take-control-of-first-ashes-test/a478805398.html]. - Starc's early strikes set the tone for the match, emphasizing the importance of his role in the Australian bowling attack [https://newsfeel.com/starc-does-it-again-in-first-over-ashes-strike]. ### Key Statistics and Milestones - **Mitchell Starc's Achievements** - Starc became the first left-arm pacer to reach 100 wickets in Ashes history, further solidifying his legacy in the sport [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/mitchell-starc-gets-to-this-milestone-in-ashes/story]. - He has now dismissed batsmen in the first over of a Test match 24 times, showcasing his ability to make early breakthroughs [https://newsfeel.com/starc-does-it-again-in-first-over-ashes-strike]. ### Conclusion: A Defining Moment in the Ashes Series In summary, **Mitchell Starc's exceptional performance in the first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series has not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also set a challenging tone for the English side**. The dual dismissals of Zak Crawley underscore the pressure on England's batting lineup, while Starc's milestones add to his storied career. As the series progresses, the impact of these early events will be crucial in shaping the outcome of the Ashes [https://www.republicworld.com/cricket/mitchell-starc-dismiss-zak-crawley-for-second-consecutive-ashes-duck-perth, https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/zak-crawley-bags-twin-ducks-in-1st-ashes-test/story].