• Home
  • Match Hub
  • Watch Mitchell Starc Draws First Blood As Ben Duckett Departs Cheaply

[Watch] Mitchell Starc Draws First Blood as Ben Duckett Departs Cheaply 

image-lkb349qnMitchell Starc After dismissing Ben Duckett (AP Photo)

England got off to a horrible start in the first innings of the ongoing fourth Ashes 2023 Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. Opener Ben Duckett was sent back to the pavilion early, courtesy of a brilliant delivery from Australian paceman Mitchell Starc.

Duckett's early dismissal puts England on back foot

The hosts’ response to Australia's first innings total began tentatively, with the drama unfolding on just the first ball of the third over of the innings. Starc delievered a length ball, darting away from Duckett.

Despite better judgment calling for restraint, Duckett was lured into poking the delivery, resulting in a faint nick. Australian wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, was alert behind the stumps as he completed an easy catch to end Duckett's stint at the crease for a solitary run.

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Australia concluded their first innings with a decent total of 317 runs. England's veteran bowler James Anderson made an immediate impact on the second day, claiming the wicket of Australian captain Pat Cummins on his very first delivery of the day. Cummins, attempting an aggressive drive, was caught at cover-point by Ben Stokes, leaving the crease with only a single run to his name.

Australia managed to add 18 runs to their overnight total of 299 before the final wicket fell. Josh Hazlewood, the last batsman to depart, fell victim to Chris Woakes’ bowling, who wrapped up his five-wicket haul after having dismissed David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey on Day 1. Mitchell Starc offered a valuable contribution to Australia's total, staying unbeaten at 36.

As the situation currently stands, England are 10/1 after four overs, trailing Australia by 307 runs. The task ahead for the English team will not be easy. The home team must meticulously negotiate the new ball threat before they venture into an offensive mode.

With Australia boasting a potent, diverse all-pace bowling attack, England needs to show methodical and adaptive batting during their first innings as they look to stay alive in the Ashes 2023.