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That initial delivery in an Ashes contest proves much more than just one delivery.

It signifies an nerve-wracking two to three seconds filled with sheer theatre, where all of pre-match hype ultimately concludes.

"To establish that mood for the entire series would be really special," commented English bowler Gus Atkinson when asked regarding this prospect lately.

"I understand we've witnessed numerous iconic first-ball instances during Ashes history. The opportunity to join to tradition seems amazing."

Like the bowler explains, that opening ball has created many of the truly iconic cricket moments - events that appeared to define that storyline and minimum proved convenient to reference in hindsight...

The Captain Smashing Past the Covers

Zak Crawley devoted the build-up to the 2023 Ashes series planning hitting the opening delivery for four runs - about aiming to "make a message."

Australia captain Pat Cummins charged in from the pavilion end and Crawley hammered a drive past cover field amid roaring cheers by the England supporters.

"I've long remained a big fan regarding the opening delivery of the Ashes," Crawley shared.

"I've been following it since growing up and I understood a couple weeks before if if we won coin toss it meant a good possibility of receiving that ball."

"I chatted with Harry Brook regarding it when we played golfing in Scotland - saying it could be amazing if I could hit the first one away to make an impact."

The English may not have claimed that contest - while the Australians thrillingly won that first Test on the final day - yet it proved a hint at how Stokes' side planned to attack during the summer.

The Opener & English Dismissed Early

That moment at Birmingham has been among rare first salvos that went the way of England, though.

Far more typically they have been ominous signs of the Australian control that would be ahead.

On the 2021-22 tour, Mitchell Starc dismissed England opener Rory Burns via a leg-stump full delivery at the Gabba becoming the first bowler to take a wicket with the opening delivery in a contest after Aussie seamer Ernest McCormick in the 1930s.

The English build-up was lacking so in that instant during Aussie jubilation the tourists received a hit to the stomach.

"My spirit simply fell to the floor," said paceman Stuart Broad, watching observing from the pavilion.

"We had worked toward this series and bang, opening delivery, he is out."

The Ashes were gone in 11 more days while the Australians claimed the series 4-0.

The Opener's Statement Shot

It is also unsurprising a captain who thrived on "psychological warfare" thought events were set through a similar event 27 prior.

Steve Waugh with Australia aimed for a fourth Ashes victory consecutively as batsman Michael Slater started the 1994-95 contest by emphatically crunching England bowler Phil DeFreitas to boundary through the offside.

"It was as if 'okay boys here we go once more we have got them already'," said the captain, who would feature all five matches during a 3-1 domestic win.

"In our minds it was as if we're on top already so let's just continue attacking. We understand how to beat these guys."

Ominous.

The Bowler's Dreadful Delivery

But suppose that delivery proves only that - one in ten thousand or more to start the series?

The errant delivery Steve Harmison delivered to begin 2006's series - where he sent the ball toward the grasp of skipper Andrew Flintoff in the slips, almost avoiding the cut strip in the process - became the most iconic Ashes series opener in history.

"I panicked," Harmison explained media soon afterwards.

"I allowed the enormity of the occasion get to me. It all felt so alien to me. My entire body felt tense."

"I couldn't stop my hands from being sweaty. That initial delivery flew out of my grasp, the second also slipped, then, following that, I had no consistency, zero."

England claimed 2005's Ashes 15 before but were resoundingly defeated 5-0. Many argue that Ashes were lost at that very instant.

"We weren't good enough to beat