The Ashes 2025-26 began with high drama at Optus Stadium, Perth, where 19 wickets fell on Day 1 of the first Test between Australia and England. The unusual batting collapse on both sides quickly shifted focus to the pitch conditions, coming just days after criticism targeted Kolkata’s turning track.
England, after electing to bat first, were dismantled for 172 as Mitchell Starc delivered a sensational seven-wicket haul. Australia, however, also struggled in reply, reaching 123/9 by stumps with England captain Ben Stokes claiming five wickets to keep the visitors in the contest.
The chaotic day also set a new milestone — the most wickets fallen on the opening day of an Ashes Test in the last century, putting the pitch under the spotlight and prompting a wave of reactions across the cricketing community.
Several former India players called out what they termed “hypocrisy” in pitch assessment standards. Dinesh Karthik and Aakash Chopra highlighted how subcontinental turning tracks attract heavy criticism, whereas a seam-dominated pitch like Perth’s is often praised as “great Test cricket”. Ravichandran Ashwin too questioned the “double standards” on social media.
Despite the intense debate, players such as England pacer Brydon Carse acknowledged that the pitch offered pace and bounce throughout the day. With the Test still wide open, all eyes will remain on how the wicket behaves as the Ashes battle resumes on Day 2.
