Watch: Mitchell Starc Picks 2 In 2, Bowls A Jaffa To Root On Hattrick Ball

Mitchell Starc almost takes a hattrick in the Ashes.

Mitchell Starc and the new ball is one of the most lethal combinations in cricket. The batter facing him not only needs a good technique to play Starc but lots and lots of luck to survive his opening spell. 

On day 2 of the third Test at MCG, Australian bowlers came all guns blazing after being bowled for 267 earlier in the third session. Starc and Pat Cummins bowled one of the most amazing five overs that kept everyone on their feet. 

According to our Expected Wickets model, that's the best opening five overs of bowling in a Test innings since records began in 2006.

But you didn't need a model to tell you that. Absolutely immense from Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. #Ashes

— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) December 27, 2021

In the fifth over, Starc, after beating Zak Crawley's bat for the nth time, finally got the edge that carried straight to the keeper. On the next ball, Starc got the ball move off the pitch that crashed into Dawid Malan's pads and the umpire had no hesitation to give him out. 

Even though Malan reviewed it, but umpire's call remained in favor of Australia as England's number three got out for a golden duck. 

Joe Root once again had to come early and this time, had to face Starc's hattrick ball. The left-armer ran fast and bowled the perfect ball that beat Root's bat just by an inch as both fielders and the MCG crowd jumped on their feet. 

Hat-trick balls don't get much closer than that!

Mitch Starc on fire and the MCG has erupted! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/lVniO4V0k1

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2021

SCENES pic.twitter.com/h0UXWtDeFq

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2021

It was the end of a perfect opener by Mitchell Starc.