A breathtaking opening day of the 2025-26 Ashes series in Perth saw a staggering nineteen wickets fall, with England emerging with a significant advantage after a stunning fightback with the ball.
After being bowled out for just 172 in a frenetic morning session, England’s pace attack roared into life to reduce Australia to 123 for 9 by stumps, trailing by 49 runs.
The day began in disastrous fashion for the tourists. Australian left-arm quick Mitchell Starc was virtually unplayable, claiming seven wickets as England’s aggressive batting approach collapsed in just 32.5 overs. Harry Brook offered the only prolonged resistance with a brisk 52.
Facing a seemingly inadequate total, England’s bowlers produced a ferocious response. Jofra Archer, returning to Ashes cricket, set the tone by removing opener Jake Weatherald with his second ball. Brydon Carse then struck crucial blows to dismiss Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja.
The session, however, was defined by the inspirational intervention of captain Ben Stokes. Introducing himself into the attack, he produced a devastating spell of fast bowling, claiming five wickets to tear through the Australian middle and lower order. His victims included the dangerous Cameron Green and Travis Head, with Alex Carey’s counter-attacking 26 ending when he holed out to Carse.
At the close, Nathan Lyon and Brendan Doggett held on, but the damage was severe. The day’s events, featuring the most wickets on an Ashes opening day in over a century, have set the stage for a potentially short and decisive first Test, with England firmly in the box seat.