Mitchell Starc capped off a fiery pink-ball spell with a sensational five-wicket haul at the Gabba, but it was Alex Carey who stole the moment with what many are already calling the catch of the year. The dismissal of England’s Gus Atkinson produced one of the most dramatic scenes of the Ashes so far, combining athleticism, chaos, and sheer instinct.
Starc, operating in full rhythm, angled one into Atkinson who attempted a flick but only managed a top edge that ballooned behind the wicket. What followed was extraordinary. Both Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne sprinted back from their positions, eyes locked on the swirling ball. As the ball dipped sharply, both players launched themselves in full dive — Carey from behind the stumps and Labuschagne from short leg — converging in mid-air.
Carey, undistracted by Labuschagne’s simultaneous dive, got his gloves under the ball just inches above the turf, completing a stunning catch while sliding across the grass. Labuschagne wrapped him in a celebratory hug even as both players were still on the ground. Starc, watching in disbelief and delight, lifted his arms to the crowd, waving the ball to celebrate yet another milestone in his decorated career.
The wicket of Atkinson — caught Carey, bowled Starc for 4 — sealed Starc’s five-for and encapsulated the high-octane drama of the night session. With the Gabba crowd erupting, the moment instantly joined the list of Ashes classics, reinforcing why the pink-ball Test continues to deliver unforgettable theatre.
