The Ashes: Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Steve Harmison and the famous first Ashes balls

In both 2006 and 2005, Harmison’s opening match for Australia was Justin Langer.

Like Burns, in the opener, he has faced the opening delivery of the match countless times before.

But Ash is different.

“Harmison is at the end of the wing, my heart is beating,” Langer told BBC Radio.

“Generally, what happens is that the player runs to score the first ball and the crowd starts cheering, and you can hear whistling, screaming and banging, this time the whole crowd is silent.

“It’s the most unusual thing. It was tangible.”

Harmison’s first delivery was whistled to wicket-keeper Geraint Jones. The speedy Durham shot a knowing look at Langer, who smiled in return before immediately jumping up.

The next delivery hit Langer’s elbow.

“Ian Bell was like a bat pad and started walking towards me, and the slips started walking towards me and Harmison ended up near that microphone,” Langer said.

“[Langer’s opening partner] Matty Hayden came down and said ‘Get ready little buddy, these guys are ready’.

“Hayden got hit, I think it was the only time he got hit on the helmet, and Ricky Ponting got hit under the eye and he still has the scar today.

“It was the finest hour of cricket I have ever played, and 18 years later I still remember that silent first ball.”

Not all first Ashes balls were uneventful, nor were they all memorable.

It may not decide any contest, but history suggests that you are usually the best at landing the first blow…