The Ashes Test opening day delivered a dramatic start in Perth, producing a staggering 19 wickets and constant momentum swings. Although Australia had seized the early advantage through Mitchell Starc’s seven-wicket masterclass, England roared back with their all-pace attack to end the day with a surprising edge.
Starc’s Fiery Burst Dominates the Ashes Test Opening Day
The match exploded into life as Starc ripped through England with a sensational 7 for 58. His pace hovered around 145kph, and every spell extracted sharp bounce from the green-tinged Perth pitch. England’s innings lasted just 32.5 overs, collapsing from 160 for 5 to 172 all out.
Moreover, several top-order batters fell caught behind in classic Perth fashion, while others were beaten by raw pace.
Even though England scored at a brisk rate, their aggressive approach faltered as Starc produced one of his finest Ashes spells. His dismissal of Joe Root for his 100th Ashes wicket felt symbolic of the batter’s long struggle for an Australian century.
What a spell! 🔥 Mitchell Starc rips through England with a fiery 7-wicket haul! 🇦🇺🎯
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) November 21, 2025
Ashes magic from the left-arm gun!
📸Getty pic.twitter.com/g6Jp08iuZm
England’s Pace Attack Flips the Script Completely
Momentum shifted sharply once England took the ball. Soon, Jofra Archer blasted out Jake Weatherald for a second-ball duck before removing Marnus Labuschagne with steep bounce. Brydon Carse followed by removing Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja with two brutal deliveries.
Ben Stokes then produced a six-over spell that turned the Ashes Test opening day upside down. His 5 for 23 included crucial wickets of Travis Head and Cameron Green just as Australia appeared to settle.
Day 1 Stumps: Australia trail by 49 runs vs England in the Ashes opener! 🏏🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) November 21, 2025
A tight contest brewing at the start!
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Australia Left Reeling as Day Ends in England’s Favour
Australia finished on a shaky 123 for 9, still trailing by 49. Therefore, the match has already taken the shape of a classic, with both teams forced into reaction mode after every session. Sharp bounce, rising deliveries, and relentless short-ball plans defined the day as England’s decision to go all-pace looked increasingly justified.
With the pitch expected to quicken further, the second day now promises another round of high-voltage action. The Ashes could not have asked for a more explosive start.
