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Starc's batting brilliance extends Australia's lead
Mitchell Starc delivered a devastating all-round performance as Australia dominated England on day two of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, crushing hopes of an early revival for the tourists.
From bowling heroics to batting masterclass
Starc, who had already claimed 6-75 in England's first innings to complement his 10-113 match figures, arrived at the crease with Australia holding a slender 49-run lead. Over the next 34 overs, he transformed the game, smashing 77 runs from 141 balls to extend the advantage to 177 before his dismissal.
The left-arm seamer showcased remarkable shot selection, punishing full deliveries while carefully negotiating shorter lengths. His strike rate soared to 200 against full tosses, while back-of-a-length balls yielded 61 runs - slightly above his career average of 49 against such deliveries.
Statistical milestone in Ashes history
Starc's performance marked a rare achievement in Ashes cricket, becoming only the fifth player since 1963 to take a five-wicket haul in the first innings and score a half-century in the second. He joins Mitchell Johnson as the only other Australian to accomplish this feat, echoing Johnson's destructive 2013-14 Ashes campaign.
"Mitchell Starc destroyed England's top order with the ball and now he is breaking their hearts with the bat."
Alastair Cook, former England captain
Tactical advantage shifts to Australia
BBC Sport's chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt noted how Starc's batting dominance mirrored his bowling prowess, creating a psychological advantage for Australia. His extended stay at the crease pushed England's second innings closer to twilight, compounding their challenges.
"Starc is giving off vibes of fellow left-armer Mitchell Johnson, who destroyed England in the 2013-14 Ashes," Shemilt observed, highlighting the seamer's growing influence in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
England's uphill battle
With Australia's total reaching 511 and a commanding 177-run lead, England faces an uphill struggle to avoid defeat. Starc's dual threat with bat and ball has left the tourists reeling, with their top-order collapse setting the tone for a daunting second innings.
As the pink ball looms for England's next innings, Starc remains the primary obstacle to any hopes of a comeback, his recent form casting a long shadow over the visitors' aspirations.
