Perth: A dramatic opening day of the 2025-26 Ashes produced a staggering 19 wickets, with England captain Ben Stokes sparking a fierce comeback after Mitchell Starc’s destructive seven-wicket haul had put Australia in early control at the Perth Stadium on Friday.
England were bowled out for 172, but their lethal pace attack roared back to leave Australia tottering at 123/9 at stumps, still trailing by 49 runs.
Nathan Lyon (3) and debutant Brendan Doggett (0) will resume on Day 2.
Starc’s 7-for rocks England
After Stokes opted to bat first on a bright morning, Australia seized momentum through a devastating spell from Mitchell Starc, who finished with 7-58, dismantling England’s top and middle order.
Only Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46) resisted, with both batters showing grit before England collapsed following the lunch break.
Starc struck in his opening over, removing Zak Crawley for a duck, and later trapped Ben Duckett (21) lbw. He then accounted for Joe Root for a seven-ball duck, continuing his dominance with the new ball.
Starc would later return to clean up Stokes for 6 and wrap up the tail, securing his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
England storm back as Stokes destroys Australia
Despite being bowled out cheaply, England produced a ruthless reply with the ball.
Stokes himself led from the front, taking 5-23, while Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse delivered high-pace spells that rattled Australia’s top order.
Australia’s innings began in chaos when Usman Khawaja, nursing stiffness, did not open alongside Marnus Labuschagne. He instead walked out with debutant Jake Weatherald, who endured a nightmare debut — struck by a searing Archer thunderbolt and dismissed lbw for a second-ball duck.
Labuschagne fought hard but was bowled for 9 by another Archer rocket, while Steve Smith (17) edged Carse to Brook in the slips moments later.
Khawaja lasted only six balls before gloving a Carse bouncer through to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, leaving Australia reeling at 31-4.
Cameron Green (24), Travis Head (21), Alex Carey (26), and Starc (12) all got starts, but none converted as Stokes removed each of them with relentless accuracy.
First day defies Perth history
The Perth venue has traditionally favoured sides batting first — all previous five Tests here were won by teams setting a total.
But England’s bowlers ensured this Ashes opener ripped up the script, setting up a tantalising Day 2 with the match finely balanced despite Australia still behind.
