The Ashes series began with absolute cinema at the Optus Stadium in Perth, where fast bowlers from both teams dominated from the very first session. By the end of the day, a staggering 19 wickets had fallen, Australia closed the day struggling at 123/9, still 49 runs behind England’s first-innings score of 172.
England won the toss and Opted to bat first, innings began with shaky notes when Starc removing opener Zak Crawley for a duck in the first over. He was relentless, producing a delivery of high quality to dismiss Joe Root for a duck as well, a milestone wicket that made Starc the first left-arm fast bowler to reach 100 Ashes wickets. Meanwhile Ben Duckett looked in touch but managed only 21.
Ollie Pope (46) and Harry Brook (52) offered a brief recovery with counterattacking batting put together 55 runs stand. They played brave shots, survived hostile spells, However, once Pope was dismissed by Cameron Green just before luch , the innings fell apart rapidly.Brook, in particular, looked to counter-attack before being undone by a sharp delivery from debutant Brendan Doggett. Starc returned to ripping through the tail with his trademark accuracy and reverse swing. He finished with magnificent, career-best figures of 7 wickets for 58 runs and Brendan Doggett chipped with 2 wickets,as England were bundled out for just 172 .
Australia walked out to bat with confidence after bowling England out cheaply, but innings started cautiously, Debutant Jake Weatherald out for duck on second ball off the innings, Marnus Labuschagne fell on 9 with a clever delivery. Brydon Carse struck next, sending Steve Smith back and Usman Khawaja on ripping delivery reducing Australia to 31/4.
Cameron Green and Travis Head provide some resistance after early setbacks and both added 45 runs together, Ben Stokes decided to take matters into his own hands. Switching to a more aggressive plan, he began bowling a fierce mix of short-pitched balls, quick bouncers, and late swing, dismissed Travis Head and Cameron Green in rapid succession, sparking a collapse that stunned the Perth crowd. The atmosphere shifted dramatically as Australia lost wickets at alarming speed.
Stokes kept attacking and completed a superb five-wicket haul, finishing the day with figures of 5/23, whom he bowled with a sharp, rising delivery. His late-day burst left Australia completely rattled. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse chipped with 2 wickets each.
The final wicket of the session also went to Stokes, capping a remarkable fight back that brought England roaring back into the contest. Australia limped to 123/9, still trailing by 49 runs and facing a massive challenge heading into Day 2.
Ashes 1st Test Match summary
Toss: England won the toss and Opted to bat first
England 1st innings: 172/10 in 32.5 overs
Top performer: Harry Brook 52 runs off 61 deliveries, Mittchel Starc 7/58 in 12.5 overs
Australia 1st innings: 123/9 in 39 overs
Top performer: Alex Carey 26 off 26 balls, Ben Stokes 5/23 in 6 overs
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