Australia seized complete control of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba on Saturday, powered by a magnificent all-round display from pace spearhead Mitchell Starc. The hosts, after declaring their first innings at a formidable 425, ripped through the English top order to leave the visitors reeling at 134 for 6 at stumps on Day 3, still trailing by a massive 297 runs.
Starc Sets the Tone with Bat and Ball
The day belonged unequivocally to Mitchell Starc. Resuming the Australian innings alongside captain Pat Cummins, Starc played a counter-attacking and crucial knock of 35 runs from just 33 balls. His aggressive partnership with Cummins, who remained unbeaten on a gritty 21, frustrated the English bowlers and pushed Australia's total beyond the 400-run mark. This late-order flourish proved psychologically damaging.
Starc then immediately switched gears with the ball. With the very first delivery of England's second innings, he produced a sensational, unplayable inswinging yorker that crashed into the pads of Rory Burns. The umpire's raised finger was a formality, and Burns departed for a golden duck, setting the tone for a disastrous English session. Starc's early breakthrough ignited the Australian attack and a packed Gabba crowd.
England's Batting Collapse Under Relentless Pressure
England's hopes of building a solid response were dismantled by a disciplined and hostile Australian bowling unit. After Starc's early blow, Pat Cummins removed the dangerous Dawid Malan for 4, caught brilliantly by a diving Marnus Labuschagne at gully. The prized wicket of England captain Joe Root followed soon after, with the world's number one batter edging Cameron Green to Steve Smith at second slip for a mere 23.
The procession continued. Ben Stokes, battling visibly with a knee injury, could only manage 14 before nicking off to Josh Hazlewood. Wicketkeeper Jos Buttler played a few attractive strokes but fell to Nathan Lyon for 23, leaving England in tatters at 122 for 6. At the close of play, only Ollie Pope (31*) and Chris Woakes (0*) remained, facing a monumental task to avoid an innings defeat.
Captain Cummins Lauds Team Effort
Australian skipper Pat Cummins was delighted with his team's dominant position. He praised Starc's transformative impact, highlighting how the fast bowler's batting shifted momentum before his devastating opening spell. "The way we finished off with the bat this morning, and then to come out and take six wickets, it's a great day," Cummins stated. He emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure and not allowing England any breathing space on the fourth day.
The situation is now dire for England. To make Australia bat again, they need another 158 runs with only four wickets in hand. The forecast for Day 4 suggests more pace and bounce, conditions that Australia's formidable attack, led by the irrepressible Starc, will relish. Barring a miraculous rearguard action from Pope and the lower order, Australia is poised to take a 1-0 lead in the iconic Ashes series.
