“Aging like fine wine” – Fans in awe as Mitchell Starc bags a 7-fer to dismantle England on Day 1 of AUS vs ENG Ashes 2025-26 1st Test

Mitchell Starc starred with the ball on Day 1 of the first Ashes Test between Australia and England at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, November 21. The left-arm pacer bagged his 17th five-wicket haul, returning with figures of 7/58. His exploits with the ball helped Australia bundle out England for 172 in the first innings.

Starc began his spell with the wickets of two English openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, before taking the prized scalp of Joe Root. The senior pacer continued to impress with the ball in the second session by dismissing skipper Ben Stokes and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith before wrapping up the tail. During the process, Starc also completed 100-plus wickets in the Ashes.

Fans on X lauded the 35-year-old for his heroics with the ball on Day 1. One user wrote:

"Aging like fine wine. Well done, legend Mitchell Starc."

Another user wrote:

"To be fair, that was an all-time outstanding display from Starc at the top of the innings...absolute class. Brook and Smith showed what could be done, and the rest of the Aussie bowlers looked very ordinary. Starc though...different level!!"

A third user added:

"Starc the destroyer."

Here are a few more reactions:

JJ

@JillaJayaram5

7-fer🥶 in 77 balls 🥵🥵🥵🥵 MITCHELL AARON STARC

அன்பு

@catchuanbu

@CricCrazyJohns When Starc is in this mood, even full-strength teams look under-strength.”

Ajeet Yadav

@ajeetyadav099

Mitchell Starc is an absolute legend of the game #Ashes2025 #ENGvsAUS #Starc

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Big guns fail as Mitchell Starc wreaks havoc for England batters in Ashes opener

Big guns, including Joe Root and Ben Stokes, failed to deliver as Mitchell Starc took wickets at regular intervals in the first innings against England. Root departed without scoring after seven deliveries, while Stokes got knocked over for a single-digit score.

On the contrary, Harry Brook top-scored with 52 off 61 deliveries, including one six and five boundaries. Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith also chipped in with 46 (58) and 33 (22), respectively. Ben Duckett (21) was the other batter to reach double digits.

Apart from Mitchell Starc, debutant Brendan Doggett bagged two wickets for the hosts. Cameron Green also scalped one wicket.

In response, England are off to a promising start as Jofra Archer dismissed debutant Jake Weatherald lbw for 0.

At the time of writing, the Aussies were 0/1 after 3.3 overs in their first innings, with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease.

Follow the 2025-26 1st Ashes Test live score and updates here.