Cummins takes five on captaincy debut: 1st Test, Day 1 (Gabba)

On the opening day of the 2021–22 Ashes series at the Gabba, Australia dominated England, bowling them out for just 147 before tea.

Mitchell Starc set the tone by dismissing Rory Burns with the first ball of the series. Pat Cummins, in his debut as Test captain, led the attack with a remarkable 5/38 from 13.1 overs, becoming the first Australian fast bowler to take a five-wicket haul on captaincy debut since 1894.Josh Hazlewood supported with 2/38.

England’s innings faltered early, with Joe Root falling for a duck and Ben Stokes contributing only five runs. Jos Buttler top-scored with 39, and Ollie Pope added 35, but England was dismissed for 147 in 50.1 overs.

Rain interrupted play, preventing Australia’s batsmen from taking the field, but the day belonged to Cummins and the Australian bowlers.

England 1st Innings: 147 all out (50.1 overs)

• Top scorers: Jos Buttler 39, Ollie Pope 35
• Key wickets: Pat Cummins 5/38, Josh Hazlewood 2/38, Mitchell Starc 1/21

Australia 1st Innings: Did not bat (rain ended play before Australia could start)

Dec 2021