Published By: Sayan Guha

BGT 2024/25: These Bowlers Took a Wicket on the First Ball of a Test Most Times Ft. Mitchell Starc

The thrill of a first-ball wicket is a bowler's delight, a batter's nightmare, and a fan's instant adrenaline rush

The opening delivery in cricket is more than just a formality; it is the first act of a story that can play out in various ways. However, when the first ball leads to a wicket, the cricketing world is turned upside down. Mitchell Starc carved his name into cricketing legend again during the ongoing second Test between India and Australia, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal with his first delivery. This wasn’t just a furious start; it was Starc’s third first-ball Test wicket, putting him in an exclusive group of bowlers. Let’s look at six extraordinary bowlers who pulled off this unique achievement most times, beginning with Starc himself.

Mitchell Starc: The modern master of firsts

Mitchell Starc, Australia’s left-arm pacer, is an absolute terror with the new ball. In Adelaide, he sent India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal back to the pavilion with a precise in-swinger, the third time he has hit gold on the opening ball of a Test.

Victims:

  • Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) – Adelaide, 2024/25
  • Rory Burns (England) – Brisbane, 2021/22
  • Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka) – Galle, 2016
  • With pace, swing, and an incredible ability to deliver under duress, Starc keeps showing why he’s a bowler to be feared.

Pedro Collins celebrating one of his first ball wickets // Picture Courtesy – Firstpost

Pedro Collins: Bangladesh’s perpetual nemesis

Pedro Collins of the West Indies has the same record as Starc, but with an interesting twist: all three of his first-ball victims were the same batter! Poor Hannan Sarkar of Bangladesh had no response for Collins’ swing on three successive times.

Victims:

  • Hannan Sarkar (Bangladesh) – Dhaka, 2002/03
  • Hannan Sarkar (Bangladesh) – Gros Islet, 2004
  • Hannan Sarkar (Bangladesh) – Kingston, 2004
  • Collins’ unusual feat separates him in cricket trivia.

Kapil Dev: India’s all-round wizard

Kapil Dev’s bowling was as devastating as his batting. With the opening delivery of a Test, Kapil struck twice, both against elite batters.

Victims:

  • Mohsin Khan (Pakistan) – Jullundur, 1983/84
  • Jimmy Cook (South Africa) – Durban, 1992/93
  • Kapil’s flexibility and ability to deliver breakthroughs sealed his reputation as one of the game’s best.

Sir Richard Hadlee with his unique bowling action // Picture Courtesy -- International Cricket Council Hall of Fame

Richard Hadlee: The Kiwi maestro

Sir Richard Hadlee, one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, made taking first-ball wickets appear simple. His ability to stroke the ball in both directions astounded the batters.

Victims:

  • Keith Stackpole (Australia) – Auckland, 1973/74
  • WV Raman (India) – Napier, 1989/90
  • Hadlee’s bowling skills made him New Zealand’s greatest cricketing icon.

Geoff Arnold: England’s silent striker

Geoff Arnold may not always be considered one of England’s greatest players, but his first-ball brilliance speaks loudly. Dismissing Sunil Gavaskar is no easy task, but Arnold handled it with style.

Victims:

  • Sunil Gavaskar (India) – Birmingham, 1974
  • John Morrison (New Zealand) – Christchurch, 1974/75
  • Arnold’s accuracy and ability to attack early earned him a spot on our exclusive list.

Suranga Lakmal: The Lankan quick with a flair

Suranga Lakmal of Sri Lanka gave it his all when it counted most. His first-ball dismissals of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle highlight his ability to make big batters uncomfortable from the start.

Victims:

  • Chris Gayle (West Indies) – Pallekele, 2010/11
  • KL Rahul (India) – Kolkata, 2017/18
  • Lakmal’s consistency and ability to perform on the greatest stages made him an invaluable asset to Sri Lanka.