What Happened on the Chaotic Opening Day of the Ashes?
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Synopsis
On a thrilling opening day at the Ashes Test in Perth, a total of 19 wickets fell as fast bowlers dominated the game. Australia ended the day at 123/9, trailing England by 49 runs, with an electrifying performance from both teams keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Key Takeaways
- Nineteen wickets fell on the opening day of the Ashes Test.
- Mitchell Starc achieved remarkable bowling figures of 7-58.
- Ben Stokes took five wickets, significantly impacting Australia’s innings.
- England scored 172 runs in their first innings.
- Australia ended the day at 123/9.
Perth, Nov 21 (NationPress) - A staggering total of nineteen wickets fell during a tumultuous first day of the Ashes Test at Perth Stadium, where fast bowlers from both teams dominated a lively pitch, leaving the match hanging in suspense.
By the end of the day, Australia found themselves reeling at 123/9, still trailing England by 49 runs, after captain Ben Stokes dismantled the middle and lower order with an outstanding 5-23 from just six overs, following fierce spells from Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse. This collapse echoed the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar opener at the same venue, where 17 wickets fell on Day 1.
Earlier, Australian ace Mitchell Starc delivered a remarkable Ashes performance, bowling out England for 172 in 32.5 overs with impressive figures of 7-58. His brutal display was witnessed by a record crowd of 51,531, while Harry Brook's aggressive fifty (52) energized England's innings as they scored at a rate of 5.24 runs per over, marking the fastest first innings dismissal by a visiting team in Australia since 1932.
Starc struck early, dismissing Zak Crawley for a golden duck, then trapping Ben Duckett lbw for 21, and sent Joe Root back for another duck, leaving England staggering at 39/3.
Unfazed, Brook launched an aggressive attack, hitting an 89m six and forming a 55-run partnership with Ollie Pope before Cameron Green trapped Pope lbw for 46. However, Starc and debutant Brendan Doggett (2-27) triggered a collapse of 5-12 in just 19 balls, with Brook falling for a brisk 61-ball 52.
England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith added 33 off 22 balls before becoming Starc's seventh wicket.
With Usman Khawaja sidelined due to back spasms, Marnus Labuschagne joined debutant Jake Weatherald at the crease, but the innings fell apart quickly.
Archer dismissed Weatherald for a second-ball duck on review, then got Labuschagne for 9, with the ball deflecting off his elbow into the stumps. Carse struck twice, sending Steve Smith (17) and Khawaja (2) back, before Stokes entered and wrecked the innings.
Stokes took down Travis Head (21), Green (24), Starc (12), Alex Carey (26), and Boland (0) in a devastating display, leaving Nathan Lyon (3 not out) and Doggett (0 not out) at the end of the day.
Doggett and Weatherald received their baggy greens as Australia's 472nd and 473rd men's Test cricketers. England opted for an all-pace attack, with Shoaib Bashir omitted. This day marked the highest number of wickets to fall on Day 1 of an Ashes Test since 1909, setting the stage for an exciting second day in Perth.
Brief scores: England 172 in 32.5 overs (Harry Brook 52, Ollie Pope 46; Mitchell Starc 7-58, Brendan Doggett 2-27) lead Australia 123/9 in 39 overs (Alex Carey 26, Cameron Green 24; Ben Stokes 5-23, Jofra Archer 2-11) by 49 runs.
Point of View
The dramatic opening day of the Ashes Test in Perth highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket. With both teams showcasing exceptional fast bowling, this match is set to be a nail-biter, captivating fans and demonstrating the resilience and skill of the players involved.
NationPress
21/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total number of wickets that fell on the first day?
A total of 19 wickets fell during the opening day of the Ashes Test.
Who was the standout bowler for Australia?
Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler for Australia, taking 7 wickets for 58 runs.
What was the total score of England in their first innings?
England scored 172 runs in their first innings.
Who led the bowling attack for England?
Ben Stokes led the bowling attack for England with excellent figures of 5-23.
How many runs did Australia trail by at the end of Day 1?
Australia trailed by 49 runs at the end of Day 1.
