FIRST BALL WICKET on Boxing Day!

The Boxing Day 2019 Test between New Zealand and Australia saw its dramatic start at the MCG when Joe Burns fell on the very first ball off Trent Boult. Finally back from injury, Boult made an immediate impact in his first over of this match. On that iconic morning, with still many finding seats at the stands, Boult delivered one proper pitched in-swinging delivery to Australian opener Joe Burns. It was a late movement in the air, and Burns misjudged the swing to be beaten as it crashed onto his stumps. The dismissal clearly sent Burns into shock and set the cat among the pigeons with a thrilling spell of opening spell from Boult.

This wicket was all the more important because it was on one of the grandest stages in cricket-in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG in front of a large expectant Australian crowd. The ability of Boult to strike off his very first ball underlined how well he exploited early movement and how he could produce breakthroughs in high-pressure situations. It was an important moment, too, for New Zealand, with the early disappearance of Australia's top order proving imperative if they were to harbor hopes of competing with such a strong batting lineup. The wicket of Boult straightaway put Australia behind and ran a spark of excitement within the camp and among the fans of New Zealand.

Despite an excellent start from Boult, Australia recovered with sound batting from their middle order and eventually went on to win the Test match quite comfortably. However, that first-ball wicket of Burns off Boult remained one of the key talking points of the match. That was a reminder of the skillsets Boult brings with the new ball, for he can make the most of any conditions that assist swing at pace, hence making him one of the most feared bowlers in the world. New Zealand might not have walked away as winners, but the moment of brilliance from Boult on Boxing Day 2019 would remain as one of the highlights of the series.