Australian pacer Mitchell Starc was the pick of the bowlers for his side on the Day 1 of the fifth Test. Earlier, Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl first in the last game of the Ashes 2023. And, the hosts, England were bowled out for 283 on Day 1 after a stunning spell by Starc. He picked up four wickets, taking his tally to 19 in the series as well.

However, Starc was bowling with a shoulder injury, but ahead of the game, the veteran clarified that he would not sit down but rather play this game as well. It is noteworthy that Mitchell Starc landed heavily on his shoulder on the second day of the fourth Test, but he continued to bowl in that game also.

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“I’m not interested in getting scanned or anything like that,we’ll worry about that at the end of the week. Just a bit of discomfort there, something going on there in the AC [joint]. Nothing major and I’m still able to bowl and do what I need to do,” Mitchell Starc was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

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However, on the opening day, he had to go off the field for extra tapping but soon after came back and removed the well-settled and highest scorer, Harry Brook for 85 (91) with a stunning delivery as well. Surely, his effort will be important for the Australian side to win the series as well.