The Ashes series kicked off in dramatic fashion at Perth Stadium as both teams’ pace attacks dominated the proceedings. England captain Ben Stokes elected to bat first but his side was bundled out for just 172, despite an aggressive scoring rate. More than 51,000 fans witnessed a gripping Day 1 that fully matched the pre-series hype.
Mitchell Starc was the destroyer-in-chief for Australia, claiming a superb seven-wicket haul and striking with the new ball to remove England opener Zac Crawley before a run was scored. England tried to counterattack through Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46), but regular breakthroughs kept the visitors under 200.
In reply, Australia struggled even more against England’s fiery pace unit. Jofra Archer struck in the first over, and wickets fell in clusters as the hosts crashed to 31 for 4. Stokes then took charge with a sensational spell that rattled the Australian middle order, finishing with five wickets to put England on top.
Batters from both sides were tested with sharp short-balls and rising deliveries, leading to blows on the helmet and shaky defenses. A 45-run stand between Travis Head and Cameron Green offered temporary relief for Australia before Stokes dismantled the resistance again.
At stumps, Australia limped to 123 for 9, still trailing by 49 runs. With 19 wickets falling on Day 1 alone, the first Test has already produced high drama — and England holds a surprising early edge in the battle for the urn.
