• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Catch For The Ages Starc Shows Peak Fitness At 35 As Crawley Records Pair Of Ducks In Ashes Opener

Catch for the ages! Starc shows peak fitness at 35 as Crawley records pair of ducks in Ashes opener

Debashis Sarangi

Starc took an absolute blinder to dismiss Crawley [Source: @cricketcomau/X]Starc took an absolute blinder to dismiss Crawley [Source: @cricketcomau/X]

Besides being one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time, Mitchell Starc is an incredible athlete, having amazed fans and experts with his fielding skills. The ace cricketer, who bagged seven wickets in the first innings of the Perth Test, kicked off the second innings with a bang, dismissing Zak Crawley for the second consecutive time in the game. However, more than the ball, what earned Starc massive applause from the crowd was his outstanding catch on his follow-through which ensured the English opener registered a pair in the Ashes opener. 

Crawley succumbs to Starc's outstanding grab

The incident occurred in the very first over of England's second innings after the visitors restricted the hosts to a paltry 132-run total. Although a lead of 40 runs was sufficient enough to motivate England for a positive start, Zak Crawley fumbled yet again, making sure the tourists went one man down without opening their account for the second time in the match. 

From over the wicket, Mitchell Starc bowled a good-length delivery that finished around the off stump. Crawley was in two minds and a tad late into a half-hearted push straight down the ground. As the ball gobbled up in the air, Starc swiftly dived towards his left and grabbed a sensational catch. 

Usually, it's incredibly tough for a fast bowler to take his position and execute such a dismissal on his follow-through. Considering Starc operates at a pace more than 140 kph, the reaction time for him was marginal. So, the grab showcased Starc's agility and sharp reflexes, making it one of the finest catches of his career. 

Riding on Starc's opening breakthrough, Australia have reduced England to nine for one in 3.2 overs. As of writing, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope were batting on 7* and 1*, respectively.