Starc's Masterclass at the Gabba
In a sensational display of pace and precision, Mitchell Starc orchestrated a bowling masterpiece, joining the elite 350 Test wickets club during the pink-ball Test at the iconic Gabba. His remarkable figures of 3-11 in the opening session left the West Indies reeling at a perilous 64/5 by Tea.
West Indies' Struggles in Better Batting Conditions
Despite favorable conditions for batting on the opening day, West Indies’ decision to bat first took a tumultuous turn as they found themselves in dire straits. The batters, still reeling from the Adelaide debacle, continued to succumb to loose shots, courtesy of Starc’s lethal deliveries that swung the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor.
Starc's Lethal Spell
Starc, the destroyer-in-chief, unleashed his wrath in the second half of the session, claiming crucial wickets that set the stage for his team’s dominance. Credit is due to the West Indies openers, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kraigg Braithwate, who displayed commendable resolve initially. However, Starc’s relentless pace proved too much to handle.
Breakthroughs and Setbacks
The opening breakthrough came as a result of a tentative push from the West Indies skipper, giving Australia the early advantage. A promising 33-run partnership followed for the second wicket, with Kirk McKenzie showing positive intent. However, Pat Cummins intervened, breaking the partnership as McKenzie’s attempt at a flashy cut led to an edge to the slip.
Starc, returning for a second spell, made an immediate impact, dismissing Chanderpaul, who fell victim to a loose shot after a solid start. In a remarkable turn of events, Starc claimed his 350th Test wicket in the same over, with Alick Athanaze falling prey to yet another ill-fated drive.
Starc's Hat-trick of Wickets
The session concluded with a dramatic collapse, as Justin Greaves departed after a brief stint in the middle. Starc completed his three-wicket haul with a sharp, low catch taken by Usman Khawaja, marking a sensational end to the West Indies’ batting woes. The collapse of 4 for 22 underscored Starc’s pivotal role in steering Australia to a dominant position.
Brief scores: West Indies 64/5 (Kirk McKenzie 21, Tagenarine Chanderpaul 21; Mitchell Starc 2-11) vs Australia
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