Ashes: Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes attain unique Test feat
Australia's Mitchell Starc and England's Ben Stokes attained a unique Test feat. As per Cricbuzz, they are now the first pair of bowlers to take five-wicket hauls on the first day of a Test since Steve Harmison and Glenn McGrath at Lord's in 2005. Notably, that instance also came in The Ashes. Here we present the key details and stats.
Starc picks his 17th five-wicket haul in Tests
The Day 1 of the 1st Ashes Test in Perth saw Starc rattle England with a career-best spell of 7/58 from 12.5 overs. This was Starc's 17th five-wicket haul in Tests. Meanwhile, he went past 100 Ashes scalps (104) and claimed his 5th five-wicket haul against England. Starc, who now owns 409 Test wickets, helped Australia bowl England out for 172 in 32.5 overs.
Stokes shines with his 6th five-wicket haul in Tests
If Starc bamboozled the visitors, England skipper Stokes also responded on a strong note. The right-arm pacer picked five wickets from just six overs to help England restrict Australia to 123/9 at stumps on Day 1. Stokes picked 5 wickets for 23 runs from his six overs (1 maiden). He has raced to 235 Test wickets at an average of 31.06 (5w: 6).
Ashes 2005 saw Harmison and McGrath pick fifers (Day 1)
As per ESPNcricinfo, the 1st Test match at Lord's between England and Australia in 2005, saw both Harmison and McGrath pick five-wicket hauls on Day 1. Harmison picked 5/43 from 11.2 overs as Australia perished for 190. In response, McGrath managed 5/53 from 18 overs as England scored 155/10 in 48.1 overs.