The Spin | Why the first ball of the Ashes is both an end and a beginning

<p>From Zak Crawley hitting Pat Cummins for four to Rory Burns’ duck, it is seen as a tone-setting prophecy</p><p>You always remember the first. Senses heightened, clammy palms, not quite knowing where to look or what to focus on. It is OK to be nervous … but is it normal to be <em>this</em> nervous? Castanet heart and goosebumped skin as the moment gets nearer. Just get this one out of the way, don’t put too much pressure on it. Calm down. This is supposed to be fun.</p><p>Your mind wanders to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2023/jun/16/zak-crawley-sets-frenzied-tone-for-ashes-with-brilliant-first-ball-blast">Zak Crawley lacing Pat Cummins</a> across the Edgbaston turf like a pebble skimmed across a glacier. You really can’t help who pops in at these moments. But who is this now? Oh it’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/dec/08/england-australia-ashes-report-day-one-first-test-rory-burns-first-ball-mitchell-starc">Rory Burns toppling over</a>, Brisbane rug pulled from underneath him, leg stump knocked back and bails sent upwards like a pair of forlorn eyebrows. What to do now, just lie back and think of English turmoil?</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/nov/12/the-ashes-first-ball-series-spin-newsletter">Continue reading...</a>