Australian pacer Mitchell Starc produced a sensational spell in the Perth Test, doing something he had never achieved in his 14-year Test career. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood absent, all the responsibility fell on Starc’s shoulders — and he delivered brilliantly.

Starc’s fiery bowling in England’s first innings left the visitors completely helpless. He didn’t just take one or two wickets — he single-handedly claimed all seven of England’s wickets, putting Australia in total control.

A lethal opening spell
Starc began dismantling England right from the first over. His opening spell of 6 overs conceded just 17 runs and fetched 3 wickets, including openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. His third victim was Joe Root. Such was his dominance that both Crawley and Root were dismissed for ducks.

Dominance continued in the second session
Returning for his second spell, Starc added four more wickets — dismissing Ben Stokes, Atkinson, Jamie Smith and finally Mark Wood — ending England’s first innings almost on his own.

A first in his Test career
Bowling 12.5 overs, Starc finished with figures of 7 for 58 — the first time in his Test career, since debuting in 2011, that he has taken seven wickets in an innings. His previous best was 6 for 9.