The Ashes 2025 got off to a dramatic start as England’s batting talisman Joe Root suffered a nightmare dismissal, falling for a 7-ball duck in the opening Test. Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc unleashed a fiery spell that dismantled England’s top order, leaving the visitors reeling and setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested series.
Root’s Struggles Continue
Joe Root, widely regarded as one of England’s greatest modern batsmen, has endured a lean patch in Ashes contests against Australia. His dismissal for a duck in the opener has further dented his record, which has been under scrutiny for failing to convert starts into big scores against the Aussies.
Root’s dismissal came courtesy of a trademark Starc delivery — full, fast, and swinging late. Root misjudged the line, edging to the slips, leaving England stunned early in their innings.
Mitchell Starc’s Fiery Spell
Starc’s opening burst was nothing short of sensational:
- He removed Root cheaply, adding another prized scalp to his Ashes tally.
- His pace consistently hovered above 145 km/h, troubling England’s batsmen.
- Starc’s ability to swing the ball both ways made him unplayable in the morning session.
The left-arm pacer’s dominance reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most lethal bowlers in Ashes history.
Joe Root’s Ashes Record vs Overall Test Record
| Category | Overall Test Record | Ashes Record | Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matches | 140+ | 35+ | Significant Ashes exposure |
| Batting Average | 49+ | 38 | Lower average vs Australia |
| Centuries | 30+ | 3 | Struggles to convert in Ashes |
| Ducks | 15 | 7 | Higher frequency against Australia |
| Highest Score | 254 | 180 | Best still below overall peak |
England’s Batting Collapse
Root’s dismissal triggered a collapse:
- England lost three wickets within the first hour.
- Starc, supported by Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, exploited the conditions perfectly.
- England’s middle order failed to withstand the pressure, leaving the team in a precarious position.
England’s Top-Order Performance in Ashes Opener
| Player | Runs | Balls Faced | Mode of Dismissal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zak Crawley | 12 | 25 | Bowled by Cummins |
| Ben Duckett | 8 | 19 | Caught behind off Hazlewood |
| Joe Root | 0 | 7 | Caught in slips off Starc |
| Ollie Pope | 15 | 30 | LBW to Starc |
Root’s Ashes Woes: A Pattern Emerging
Root’s struggles against Australia are not new. Analysts point to several factors:
- Technical Vulnerability: Starc’s inswingers and Cummins’ relentless accuracy expose Root’s off-stump weakness.
- Mental Pressure: The Ashes carries unique psychological weight, often affecting Root’s decision-making.
- Conversion Issues: Even when he gets starts, Root has failed to convert them into match-winning knocks against Australia.
Starc’s Record Against England
Mitchell Starc’s dominance over England has been consistent:
- He has dismissed Root multiple times in Ashes contests.
- His strike rate against England is among the best for Australian bowlers.
- Starc thrives in home conditions, where pace and bounce amplify his threat.
Fan and Expert Reactions
- Fans: English supporters expressed frustration over Root’s continued struggles, while Australian fans celebrated Starc’s brilliance.
- Experts: Former players highlighted Root’s technical flaws and praised Starc’s ability to deliver under pressure.
- Media: Headlines focused on Root’s duck and Starc’s rampage, framing the narrative of England’s uphill battle.
Implications for the Series
Root’s dismissal and England’s collapse have major implications:
- Psychological Blow: Losing their best batsman cheaply dents England’s confidence.
- Momentum Shift: Australia’s bowlers gain early dominance, setting the tone for the series.
- Strategic Concerns: England must rethink their batting approach against Starc’s pace and swing.
Conclusion
The Ashes opener has already delivered high drama, with Joe Root’s 7-ball duck and Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell dominating headlines. Root’s record against Australia continues to worsen, while Starc’s reputation as England’s tormentor grows stronger.
For England, the challenge is clear: they must find a way to counter Starc’s pace and regain batting stability. For Australia, the early dominance is a statement of intent, signaling their determination to retain the Ashes.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, player statistics, and expert commentary. Readers are advised to follow official cricket boards and live updates for verified details.
