Mitchell Starc has built a reputation for being one of the most lethal new-ball bowlers in modern Test cricket, but one statistic captures his impact better than anything else, he now has 24 wickets in the very first over of a Test innings. It’s a staggering number, and one that speaks volumes about his ability to set the tone from ball one.
MITCHELL STARC GETS A WICKET IN THE FIRST OVER OF THE ASHES TEST…!!!! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/DhhBg7MbGy
---Advertisement---— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 21, 2025
Starc’s Milestone
In the ongoing 1st Test between Australia and England of Ashes 2025-26, Mitchell Starc yet again didn’t disappoint and struck with England’s first wicket of Zak Crawley. This takes his tally to 24 wickets. Since making his debut, he surpassed England’s legendary bowler James Anderson’s tally.
MITCHELL STARC HAS 24 WICKETS IN THE FIRST OVER OF THE INNINGS IN TEST CRICKET. 🦁 pic.twitter.com/l3GQcCXC0J
---Advertisement---— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 21, 2025
How this mechanism works for fast bowlers?
Most fast bowlers need a couple of overs to find rhythm, warm into the spell, or feel out the surface. Starc isn’t one of them. He’s a fast starter in every sense, charging in at high pace, swinging the ball late, and attacking the stumps from the moment the umpire calls “play.” It’s why opening batters often walk out knowing they’re in for a battle immediately, not after settling in.
Uniqueness of Starc
What makes Starc’s first-over threat so unique is his fearlessness in going full and straight, a method that brings bowleds and lbws into play early. Add his left-arm angle and natural swing across the right-hander, and it’s no surprise so many top-order batters have been removed before even getting a feel of the pitch.
Over the years, some of his most iconic spells have begun with damage up front, whether it was uprooting poles in Adelaide under lights or trapping batters cold in Perth with sheer pace. And even today, as he continues to touch the mid-140s consistently, the intimidation factor hasn’t faded.
Twenty-four first-over wickets isn’t just a record, it’s a reminder of Starc’s rare gift. Few bowlers in Test history have been this dangerous, this quickly. And whenever he has the new ball in hand, the opposition knows a single mistake could mean walking back before they’ve even warmed up.
