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

It signifies an heart-pounding three to three seconds of pure drama, where all of the pre-contest talk ultimately concludes.

"To establish that atmosphere throughout the entire series would be truly cool," commented English paceman Gus Atkinson when asked about this possibility recently.

"I understand history shows numerous iconic opening-delivery occasions during Ashes cricket history. The chance to contribute that tradition seems cool."

As the bowler notes, the first delivery has delivered some of the most historic Ashes instances - ones that seemed to set the tone and at least proved convenient to look back on later on...

Cummins Crashing Past the Covers

Zak Crawley had spent his lead-up for the 2023 Ashes thinking about hitting that first ball for a boundary - about aiming to "create an impact."

Australia captain Pat Cummins charged in at Edgbaston and Crawley cracked a shot through cover field amid roaring roars by English supporters.

"I've always remained an enormous admirer regarding the opening delivery of Ashes cricket," the opener revealed.

"I was observing it from childhood so I understood several weeks out if should we won coin toss it meant a strong chance of receiving it."

"I talked to Harry Brook about this while we played golfing in Scotland - saying it would be amazing if I could strike the first one away to deliver a statement."

England may not have claimed the contest - and Australia thrillingly took the opening match on the final day - but it was a glimpse at the way Stokes' side planned to play aggressively throughout the series.

Burns and English Bowled Over

This occasion in Birmingham has been among the few opening deliveries to go the way of the English, however.

Much more typically they have been telling signs of Australia's dominance that was to come.

On the 2021-22 series, Mitchell Starc dismissed England batsman Rory Burns with a half-volley in Brisbane to become the first pitcher to take a dismissal on the first ball in a series after Aussie bowler Ernest McCormick during the 1930s.

England's build-up was inadequate and at that instant during Australian jubilation the tourists took a punch to their morale.

"My spirit just dropped dramatically," recalled paceman Stuart Broad, who was observing from the dressing room.

"You have built for these matches and immediately, opening delivery, he's dismissed."

The series were gone within 11 more days and Australia claimed the series 4-0.

Slater's Statement Shot

It's also no surprise an Australian captain who reveled in "psychological warfare" believed proceedings were set by an identical incident 27 before.

Steve Waugh and Australia were seeking a fourth Ashes series win consecutively as opener Michael Slater began 1994's contest with decisively driving England bowler Phil DeFreitas for four through the offside.

"It felt like 'alright boys here we go once more we've dominated now'," recalled the captain, who would play all five Tests in a 3-1 home win.

"Psychologically it felt as if we are on top already and we should keep hammering away. We know how to defeat this team."

Foreboding.

The Bowler's Dreadful Delivery

But what if the first delivery proves just that - a single in 10,000 or more to start the contest?

The wide Steve Harmison delivered to begin 2006's Ashes - where he hurled the ball toward the hands of skipper Andrew Flintoff at the slips, almost avoiding the pitch completely - proved the most iconic Ashes series opener in history.

"I froze," the bowler explained media soon after.

"I let the pressure of the occasion affect me. It all seemed so unfamiliar to me. My entire body felt tense."

"I could not stop my grip to stop being sweaty. The first ball slipped out of my hands, the next did too, and, following that, I had no consistency, zero."

The English had won the 2005 series fifteen before yet were resoundingly defeated five-nil. Many believe that series were lost at that very instant.

"We simply weren't prepared enough to beat