England couldn’t have asked for a better start to their Ashes campaign as the reeling hosts were 123/9 at stumps by 49 runs in the first innings at Perth’s Optus Stadium. A day that witnessed exciting spells of fast bowling from each side on a spicy surface left the crowd on the edge of their seats more often than not.
A total of 19 wickets fell on Day 1 of an Ashes Test for the first time in 100 years that the bowlers ruled the bowlers. First up was Australian quick Mitchell Starc, who posted career-best figures of 7/58 to bowl England out for 172 in 32.5 overs. Later, England captain Ben Stokes led his team’s fightback and registered his sixth five-wicket haul (5/23) to leave Australia at stumps.
Ashes 1st Test AUS vs ENG Day 1 Highlights
After electing to bat first, Stokes had no idea that a ferocious Mitchell Starc was waiting for them, eager to deliver another of his famous Ashes firsts.
All it took was just six balls for the veteran quick to make an immediate impact as Zak Crawley’s flashy drive eventually produced a strong outside edge that went straight to Usman Khawaja at first slip. Despite losing his opening partner, Ben Duckett continued Bazball’s approach and raced to 21 with the help of four boundaries. But Starc did not let the partnership flourish and trapped Duckett in front of the stumps.
Another to watch.
– The end
Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
November 21, 2025
