Perth, November 21, 2025 – Day 1 of the Ashes Test at Perth Stadium turned out to be a bowler’s paradise as a staggering 19 wickets fell on the opening day, setting the stage for a thrilling contest between Australia and England.
England Bat First but Collapse Early
After winning the toss, England opted to bat first, but their innings quickly unraveled. The visitors were reeling at 39/3, losing both Zak Crawley and Joe Root for ducks – Root’s first ever in Australia. Ollie Pope and Harry Brook tried to rebuild with a lively 55-run partnership, but Pope fell to Cameron Green just before lunch. England ended the first session at 105/4, with the match already brimming with drama.
Starc and Stokes Turn the Tide
Australia’s response was a mix of grit and challenges. With Usman Khawaja sidelined, Marnus Labuschagne opened alongside Steve Smith at number three. The duo showed resilience, but England pacers Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse removed them in quick succession. Carse then dismissed Khawaja, leaving Australia in trouble at 31/4.
Travis Head and Cameron Green steadied the innings with a 45-run partnership, but Ben Stokes delivered an inspired spell in the final session, picking up a five-wicket haul and dismantling crucial partnerships, including Head, Green, and Alex Carey.
England’s batting was also tested by Mitchell Starc, who produced a sensational 7/58, his best figures in Test cricket. Despite a brisk scoring rate of over five runs per over, England crumbled from 160/5 to 172 all out.
England Fight Back but Face Setbacks
Chasing a moderate target, England lost Ben Stokes early in their second innings. Harry Brook counter-punched with a brisk half-century, only to fall to debutant Brendan Doggett, leaving England struggling. Jamie Smith contributed a few aggressive shots, but wickets kept tumbling.
Meanwhile, Australia’s bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, struck early in their innings, removing debutant Jake Weatherald and keeping the England top order under constant pressure.
Day 1 Highlights
• Total wickets on Day 1: 19 (a Perth Stadium record)
• Mitchell Starc: 7/58
• Ben Stokes: 5-wicket haul
• Key partnerships: Travis Head & Cameron Green (45 runs), Ollie Pope & Harry Brook (55 runs)
• Australia at Tea: 123/9, trailing by 49 runs
Player Reactions
English pacer Brydon Carse, making his Ashes debut, praised the crowd and Ben Stokes, saying:
“It’s always a great feeling to get the best batters out in the world. Ben is a real leader who brings the best out of everyone.”
Day 2 of the Ashes kicks off on November 22 at 2:20 am GMT, promising more high-octane cricket as England look to capitalize on their early advantage while Australia fights to claw back into the match.