Chaotic Opening Day Sets Ashes Alight
The first day of the 2025-26 Ashes series delivered an astonishing spectacle in Perth, with 19 wickets tumbling as England seized an unexpected early advantage against Australia. After being bowled out for just 172, Ben Stokes produced a magnificent five-wicket haul to leave the hosts reeling at 123-9 at stumps, trailing by 49 runs.
Starc's Career-Best Haul Overshadowed by England Fightback
Mitchell Starc produced one of the finest performances of his career, claiming seven wickets for 58 runs to dismantle England's batting lineup. The left-arm quick struck with the sixth ball of the match, removing Zak Crawley and setting the tone for a dramatic morning session.
England's innings lasted just 32.5 overs, with Harry Brook top-scoring with a brisk 52 and Ollie Pope contributing 46. However, the tourists suffered a spectacular collapse, losing their last five wickets for just 12 runs in 19 balls. Joe Root fell for a seven-ball duck as England's aggressive approach yielded mixed results on a bouncy Perth pitch.
Stokes Leads Sensational Bowling Response
England's response with the ball was nothing short of sensational. Captain Ben Stokes waited until the 27th over to introduce himself into the attack, but needed just six overs to claim his second Test five-wicket haul in Australia.
The all-rounder finished with remarkable figures of 5-23, removing key batsmen Travis Head (21), Cameron Green (24) and Alex Carey (26) in quick succession. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse provided excellent support with two wickets apiece, while Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson maintained relentless pressure despite going wicketless.
The pace bowling festival meant only 71.5 overs were possible on the day, but those present at Perth's modern stadium witnessed cricket of the highest intensity. The bouncy surface provided constant entertainment, producing not just wickets but several bruises as batsmen from both sides struggled to cope.
Australia's Batting Collapse Creates England Advantage
Australia's reply began steadily but quickly unravelled against England's varied pace attack. The hosts slumped to 69-4 before Stokes entered the fray and accelerated the collapse. By the close of play, only 49 runs separated the teams with Australia having just one wicket remaining.
The performance highlighted England's transformed approach under Stokes' leadership. While their batting remains characteristically aggressive and occasionally fragile, the depth of their fast bowling resources represents a significant departure from previous touring parties.
Scott Boland, so dominant in the last Ashes series, conceded 62 runs from his 10 overs as England's batsmen refused to let any bowler settle. Debutant Brendan Doggett claimed two wickets but lacked consistent support from the other end beyond Starc's heroics.
This marked the 15th time in 30 innings in Australia that England have failed to reach 200, yet their bowlers ensured the first day ended firmly in their favour, setting up what promises to be a compelling continuation of cricket's oldest rivalry.
