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The opening ball of an Ashes contest proves much more than simply a single ball.

It represents an gut-wrenching three to four seconds filled with sheer drama, where all of the pre-match talk finally concludes.

"To define that tone throughout the entire series would be truly cool," stated English bowler Gus Atkinson after asked about this possibility lately.

"I know there have been numerous memorable first-ball moments in Ashes history. The opportunity to contribute that tradition would be incredible."

As Atkinson notes, that first delivery has delivered several of the most memorable cricket occasions - ones that appeared to set that tone or minimum proved convenient to reflect upon in hindsight...

Cummins Smashing Through the Covers

Zak Crawley dedicated his preparation for 2023's Ashes series planning striking the first ball for four runs - about hoping to "make a statement."

Australia skipper Pat Cummins charged in at Edgbaston and the batsman drilled a shot past cover field to deafening applause by the England crowd.

"I've always remained a huge admirer regarding the opening delivery in Ashes cricket," Crawley revealed.

"I was observing it from childhood so I understood several weeks before that should we won the toss it meant an excellent chance to receiving that ball."

"I discussed with Brooky about this while we played golfing in Scotland - that it could be amazing if I could hit that first ball for runs and make a statement."

The English may not have claimed the contest - while Australia dramatically took that first Test during last day - but it was a preview at the way Ben Stokes' team would attack throughout the series.

The Opener & English Bowled Over

This instance at Edgbaston has been one of rare opening salvos to go the way of the English, however.

Far more typically they have been warning indicators regarding Australia's superiority that would be to come.

During the 2021-22 tour, Mitchell Starc bowled English batsman Rory Burns via a half-volley in the Gabba becoming the initial pitcher claiming a dismissal on the first ball in a series since Australian bowler Ernest McCormick in the 1930s.

The English build-up was lacking so at that point during Australian celebration England took a blow psychologically.

"My confidence simply fell dramatically," said bowler Stuart Broad, watching watching in the pavilion.

"We had worked toward this series and bang, first ball, he is dismissed."

The series were gone within eleven more days and Australia claimed the contest four-nil.

Slater's Impact Delivery

It's also unsurprising an Australian captain who reveled on "mental disintegration" believed proceedings were determined by a similar moment 27 prior.

Steve Waugh and Australia aimed for their fourth Ashes win in a row as opener Michael Slater began the 1994-95 contest with emphatically hitting England seamer Phil DeFreitas to boundary past backward point.

"It felt like 'okay team we're off again we've dominated now'," recalled Waugh, who would feature all five Tests in a 3-1 domestic win.

"Psychologically it felt like we're dominant now so let's just keep pressing on. We understand how we beat these guys."

Foreboding.

The Bowler's Horror Delivery

However what if the first delivery is only that - a single among ten thousand or so beginning the series?

The wide Steve Harmison bowled to begin the 2006-07 Ashes - when he sent the ball toward the grasp of captain Andrew Flintoff in second slip, almost missing the pitch completely - has become the most iconic Ashes series opener ever.

"I froze," Harmison told media shortly after.

"I let the enormity of the moment affect me. It all seemed so alien for me. My entire being was nervous."

"I couldn't get my hands from sweating. That initial delivery flew out of my hands, the second also slipped, and, following that, I possessed no control, zero."

England had won the 2005 series 15 before yet were resoundingly defeated 5-0. Some believe that series ended at that exact moment.

"We weren't prepared enough to beat