After a tumultuous build-up to the 2021/22 Ashes, which involved off-field scandals in both England and Australia, the series got off to a spectacular start.

Armed with the new ball on a green Gabba pitch, Mitchell Starc knocked over Rory Burns after the England left-hander moved across his crease to expose his leg stump to a full and swinging delivery.

Starc, who faced question marks over his place in the Australian Test side from Shane Warne heading into the series, roared in delight as Burns departed for his sixth Test duck in 2021 – a record for a calendar year.

On only one previous occasion had there been a wicket off the first ball of an Ashes series: England’s Stan Worthington was sent on his way by Ernie McCormick at the Gabba in 1936.

For many, however, the modern reference point was Steve Harmison’s opening delivery of the 2006/07 Ashes, when the Englishman lost control and sent the ball into the hands of second slip. The ball would go on to symbolise a nightmare tour of Australia for the visitors, who finished on the wrong end of a 5-0 scoreline. Starc, on the other hand, was on the money straight away, leading to references of a Starc contrast.

The anti-Harmison!

The difference couldn’t me more STARC!!!! #Ashes @FoxCricket

— Brenton Speed (@BrentonSpeed) December 8, 2021

Cummins on Starc’s first ball: “Everyone talks about Harmison but hopefully that’s the new memory now.”

At what point does this become a tradition? #ashes

— Isabelle Westbury (@izzywestbury) December 8, 2021

Burns left himself exposed by shuffling across so far, but at least Starc’s ball was straighter than Harmison’s here in 2006

— Simon Wilde (@swildecricket) December 8, 2021

There was plenty of support for Starc from some big names.

That’s why I pick him #mitchellstarc 💥

— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) December 8, 2021

That’s hot 🔥🤤 what a start!! Why do people always doubt Starc? 🤷🏼‍♀️ anyways, frothing we’re bowling first. #Ashes

— Megan Schutt (@megan_schutt) December 8, 2021

For England fans, it was all about looking on the bright side.

Strauss got a duck in the first over in 2010/11, we’ll do it again 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#Ashes

— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) December 8, 2021

Alastair Cook: “We were 0-1 in 2010/11 as well…”#Ashes pic.twitter.com/qRmZdFcASi

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) December 8, 2021

Sign up to bet365 to be entered into a draw for the chance to win a Wisden t-shirt of your choice, terms and conditions apply, more information here 18+ begambleaware.org