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The first delivery of a contest represents much more rather than simply a single delivery.

It embodies a gut-wrenching two or three seconds filled with sheer excitement, when all of pre-series discussion finally ceases.

"To define that mood for the entire series would be truly cool," stated English paceman Gus Atkinson after asked about this possibility this week.

"I know we've witnessed numerous historic first-ball instances in Ashes matches. The chance to join that legacy would be amazing."

Like the bowler explains, the opening ball has produced several of the most historic Ashes moments - events that appeared to set that storyline or at least became easy to reflect upon in hindsight...

Cummins Crashing Past the Covers

Zak Crawley dedicated the lead-up to 2023's Ashes contemplating driving that opening delivery for a boundary - about hoping to "create an impact."

Australian skipper Pat Cummins charged in from Edgbaston and Crawley drilled a drive through cover field to roaring applause from the England fans.

"I've long been a huge admirer of the first ball in the Ashes," the opener shared.

"I've been observing them from youth so I understood several of weeks out if should we won the toss there would be an excellent possibility of facing it."

"I discussed with Harry Brook regarding it when we played golfing on course - that it could be special if I could get the first one away to deliver an impact."

England may not have claimed that contest - while the Australians thrillingly won the opening Test on the final day - but it was a glimpse at the way Stokes' side would play aggressively throughout the series.

The Opener & English Dismissed Early

That moment in Birmingham proved among rare first deliveries that went in favor of England, however.

Significantly more typically they've served as warning signs regarding Australia's dominance that would be to come.

During 2021's tour, Mitchell Starc bowled English batsman Rory Burns via a full delivery in Brisbane to become the first pitcher to take a wicket with the opening delivery of a series after Australian seamer Ernest McCormick in 1936.

The English preparation had been poor and in that instant during Aussie elation England received a punch to the stomach.

"My emotion just plummeted immediately," said paceman Stuart Broad, who was observing from the pavilion.

"You have built toward this series then immediately, first ball, he is dismissed."

The series were lost within 11 additional days and Australia won the contest four-nil.

The Opener's Statement Shot

It is also no surprise an Australian skipper who reveled in "psychological warfare" believed events were set through a similar moment twenty-seven before.

Steve Waugh and the Australians were seeking their fourth Ashes series victory consecutively when opener Michael Slater began the 1994-95 contest by emphatically driving England seamer Phil DeFreitas for four through the offside.

"It felt as if 'alright boys here we go once more we've got them now'," recalled Waugh, who'd play all five Tests in three-one home victory.

"In our minds it was like we're on top now and we should continue attacking. We understand how we beat these guys."

Foreboding.

The Bowler's Dreadful Wide

But what if that ball proves just that - one among 10,000 or so to start the series?

The wide Steve Harmison bowled to begin 2006's series - where he hurled the ball toward the hands of skipper Andrew Flintoff in second slip, nearly avoiding the pitch in the process - became the most iconic Ashes opener ever.

"I tensed," Harmison explained journalists soon after.

"I let the enormity of the moment get to me. Everything felt so alien for me. My whole body was nervous."

"I couldn't stop my grip to stop being sweaty. The first ball flew from my grasp, the next also slipped, then, after that, I had no rhythm, zero."

England had won the 2005 series 15 months earlier but were resoundingly beaten five-nil. Many contend those Ashes were lost at that very moment.

"We simply weren't skilled enough to beat