In both 2006 and 2005 the Australia opener facing Harmison was Justin Langer.

Like Burns, as an opener, he had faced the opening delivery of a match countless times before.

The Ashes, though, is different.

“Harmison is at the pavilion end, my heart is pumping,” Langer told the BBC’s Stumped podcast.

“Generally what happens is the bowler runs in for the first ball and the crowd starts roaring, you can hear the whistling, shouting and banging, this time the whole crowd went silent.

“It is the most bizarre thing. It was tangible.”

Harmison’s first delivery whistled through to wicketkeeper Geraint Jones. The Durham quick gave a knowing look to Langer, who smiled back in turn before hopping on the spot.

The next delivery thudded into Langer’s elbow.

“Ian Bell was bat pad and started walking towards me, the slips started walking towards me and Harmison ended up about as close as this microphone,” Langer said.

“[Langer’s opening partner] Matty Hayden walked down and said ‘be ready little fella, these guys are on’.

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

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

Not every Ashes first ball is as quiet, nor have they all stuck in the memory.

It may not decide a contest but history suggests you’re usually best laying the first blow…