The Ashes are back, and the drama is already off the charts! The second Test between England and Australia in Brisbane has started with a bang, and it's not looking good for the English batsmen. After a disastrous performance in Perth, England hoped for a fresh start, but Mitchell Starc had other plans.
Starc's Early Onslaught
Starc ripped through the England top order, taking two crucial wickets in his opening spell. Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope were both sent packing early, leaving England reeling. Duckett edged his first ball to first slip, while Pope chopped on to his own stumps after a rash shot. The early wickets have put Australia firmly in control.
Missed Opportunities for Australia
Despite Starc's heroics, Australia also had some shaky moments. Joe Root was dropped off Starc's bowling, and Zak Crawley may have edged behind off Michael Neser, but the Aussies didn't appeal. These missed opportunities could prove costly later in the match.
Day-Night Tests: A Hit or Miss?
This Brisbane Test is a day-night affair, played with a pink ball. While Cricket Australia sees the potential for increased TV viewership and revenue, the format hasn't been universally embraced. Only 24 of 554 Tests since 2012 have been day-night games, with many countries hesitant to adopt the concept. Will this Ashes Test reignite interest in day-night cricket, or will it further fuel the debate about its future?
Former Australia bowler on BBC Test Match Special said it was a great start to the match from England. They lost two quickly and you thought, here we go again. It was their session at the end, they'll be happy with that in the dressing room.