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A dramatic opening day at Perth saw both teams battling through the shifting fortunes of an intense Ashes 2025-26 Test match. Australia made an early breakthrough, taking control of the game as Mitchell Starc tore through England’s batting order with a blistering seven-wicket haul.
The Australian pacer’s spell sent England reeling to just 172 all out in 32.5 overs. However, England came back strongly in the second session, led by the determined efforts of captain Ben Stokes, who inspired a collapse in the Australian top order. By the close of play, Australia found themselves struggling at 123/9, with 19 wickets falling on a thrilling, yet punishing day for both sides. The game swung in dramatic fashion, with fortunes changing at every turn under the scorching conditions of Perth.
Ashes 2025-26: Mitchell Starc’s explosive bowling sends England collapsing
Starc’s bowling performance on Day 1 was the defining moment of the match. Starc dominated England’s top order with sheer pace and precision, dismantling their batting line-up with unrelenting accuracy. From the very first ball, Starc made his presence felt, removing Zak Crawley for a duck with a sharp delivery that caught the outside edge.
His pace was too much for the rest of England’s top order, and they had no answer to his swinging deliveries. In quick succession, Starc sent Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Stokes and Jamie Smith back to the pavilion, leaving England reeling at 172 all out. Starc’s seven-wicket haul was a true demonstration of his skill in challenging conditions, and it was only through his brilliance that Australia managed to put England on the back foot.
Starc was ably supported by Cameron Green and Brendan Doggett, who provided key breakthroughs and chipped in with important wickets. Green’s accurate bowling helped to halt England’s momentum, and Doggett’s steady performance was pivotal in ensuring Australia maintained the upper hand. The Australian bowlers were relentless, never allowing the English batsmen to settle, and by the time England’s innings was wrapped up, it was clear that Australia had the ascendancy.
Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes’ five-wicket haul and Australia’s frustration
After a tumultuous start, England came roaring back with Stokes leading the charge. The England captain, known for his fiery temperament and determination, inspired a much-needed turnaround, removing key Australian batters in the second session. His spell with the ball was pivotal in bringing England back into the match. Stokes dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, two of Australia’s best batters, with devastating accuracy. The Australian top order, which had been cruising, suddenly found themselves under pressure as the score fell from 53/1 to 53/4.
Australia’s collapse was swift, and the England bowlers, particularly Stokes, exploited every crack in the Australian batting. The pressure mounted as Australia lost wickets in quick succession, with Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc falling soon after. By tea, Australia were staring down the barrel at 53/4, and as the day progressed, they continued to falter. The middle and lower orders, led by Steve Smith and Cameron Green, failed to provide the resistance needed to build partnerships. As the day drew to a close, Australia was left floundering at 123/9, with only Nathan Lyon and Brendan Doggett remaining at the crease.
Stokes’ leadership and the pressure exerted by England’s bowlers proved too much for Australia to handle, leaving them with a mountain to climb on Day 2. Australia’s collapse, after such a strong start, will leave them frustrated, and they will need to regroup quickly to avoid being bowled out cheaply. The coming sessions will be crucial for both teams, with Australia hoping to avoid total collapse while England will be keen to clean up the tail and take full advantage of their momentum.
Here’s how fans reacted:
If this first day is anything to go by , it’s going to be a CRACKER of an Ashes series
Day 1 – 19 wkts
Phewwwwwe 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
— DK (@DineshKarthik)
Only 19 wickets fell at Perth today, but an excellent days cricket.
Oh no! What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati?
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99)
No Cummins, no Hazlewood no problem says Starc. 7/58 to start the Ashes! Well bowled 👏
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)
I don't think there is an English sportsman that has provided as many clutch moments for their country…
As Ben Stokes.
— Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley)
What a maverick Ben Stokes is. Came in to bowl with Australia trying to take the game away from them and then broke the middle order and the lower order and took the next five wickets.
A memorable fifer!
A legend of the game, truly.
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444)
Englands bowlers have been absolutely fantastic so far … The Batters didn’t produce but my word this attack looks so good for this pitch …
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)
Ben Stokes…………….. 🙃
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB)
Unbelievable day of Test cricket
— Isa Guha (@isaguha)
Breathing 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞, one wicket at a time🔥
Brydon Carse |
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers)
Two Clutch players, Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes both ripped through with sensational fifers on the 1st day of the Ashes Test ⚡⚡
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Brydon Carse removes Usman Khawaja with a brutal snorter on Day 1 of Perth Test
