The opening day of the 2025-26 Ashes in Perth was a breathtaking whirlwind of carnage, defying all pre-series predictions. In a stunning display of fast bowling from both sides, a remarkable 19 wickets tumbled on the first day, setting a new benchmark for chaos in the modern era and leaving the match precariously balanced.
Starc’s Devastating Spell Wrecks England
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, England’s decision backfired almost immediately. Mitchell Starc, the lone survivor of Australia’s famed pace trio, produced one of the great Ashes bowling performances.
The left-arm quick was unplayable, slicing through England’s top order with a masterclass in pace and swing. He claimed the wickets of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and the prized scalp of Joe Root for a duck to bring up his 100th Ashes wicket.
Starc wasn’t done there. He returned after lunch to clean-bowl captain Ben Stokes and eventually finished with a career-best 7 for 58, single-handedly bowling England out for a meager 172 in just 32.5 overs.
Stokes Leads England’s Fierce Bowling Reply
Facing a daunting deficit, England’s hopes seemed slim. However, their four-man seam attack, led by the raw pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, launched a ferocious counter-attack.
They reduced Australia to a precarious 31 for 4, but it was captain Ben Stokes who delivered the knockout blows. Introducing himself into the attack, he produced a blistering spell, claiming the fifth-fastest five-wicket haul in England’s Test history (off just 36 balls) to dismantle the Australian middle and lower order.
By stumps, Australia had collapsed to 123 for 9, trailing by just 49 runs, with England’s bowlers ensuring their team ended one of the most dramatic days in recent Ashes history firmly on top.
A Day of Unprecedented Carnage
The statistics from the day are scarcely believable:
- 19 wickets fell, the most on an Ashes opening day since 1909.
- A wicket fell, on average, every 23 balls.
- Each side lost a wicket before scoring a run, a first in the Ashes.
What was expected to be a five-day battle now looks likely to be a short, sharp firefight. After a day dominated by the bowlers, England will resume on Day 2 with a slender lead and a chance to build a decisive advantage.
