Mitchell Starc’s first ball of the Ashes 2021-22 opener earned him lot of praise on social media. The left-arm pacer bowled a breathtaking delivery to clean up guest opener Rory Burns and gave an exciting start to the much-awaited Ashes series. Such was the beauty of the delivery that the video of it went viral on social media in on time with the netizens lauding the class of the Australian southpaw.
The first day in Brisbane started with England skipper Joe Root winning the toss and confidently opting to bat first. However, that was the only thing that went in favour of Root and his men in the entire day as the follow up of toss saw England batters falling like a pack of cards, courtesy the relentless bowling attack from the likes of Starc, newly-appointed Test skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Though it was Cummins who eventually starred in the scoresheet with figures of 5/38, Starc’s beautiful delivery with which he dismissed Burns at the very beginning of the game was the topic of talk on internet. Among other social media platforms, microblogging website Twitter was also full of praise for Starc for providing such an exciting start to the match.
Watch the ball here:
WHAT A WAY TO START THE #ASHES! pic.twitter.com/XtaiJ3SKeV
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 8, 2021
Here is how fans on Twitter reacted to the wicket:
Coaches to #mitchellstarc :#Ashes2021 pic.twitter.com/5q2saeEFja
— Vishal Madhu (@vishalgmadhu) December 8, 2021
Shivers down the spine! A ball we’ll remember forever! Unbelievable! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/Y5sgcpsyR2
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) December 8, 2021
Yes you bloody beauty Mitchell Starc!! 😱 Sorry everyone for the scream. #AUSvENG
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) December 8, 2021
They wrote him off too early, one of the best bowlers of this generation, simply the 🐐
Never ever doubt Mitchell Starc. pic.twitter.com/voVps3f5Cx— KH SAKIB (@Crickettalkss) December 8, 2021
https://twitter.com/kyakarungimain/status/1468371272966946819
The praise for Starc’s sensational delivery was not only limited to fans, even former cricket greats couldn’t keep themselves away from acknowledging the beauty of the delivery. Australian bowling legend, Brett Lee took to Twitter, saying, “That’s why I pick him #mitchellstarc.” Meanwhile, veteran like Adam Gilchrist, who was present in the commentary box, roared out of excitement. “Oh bowled him first ball,” he said.