Perth lived upto its hype of being a lively surface as the opening day of the 2025-26 Ashes series started with a bang. Mitchell Starc (7-58) blew away England's batters to restrict the visitors to 172 after they had chosen to bat. However, that Aussie advantage was taken away by Ben Stokes (5-23) who combined with Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse to have the Aussies reeling at 123/9 at stumps.
As things stand, the home side still trail by 49 on a spicy surface that saw a record 19 wickets fall on the opening day. This is the highest number of wickets to have fallen on the opening day of a Test match at Perth. It is also the highest number of wickets lost on the opening day of an Ashes Test in the last 100 years.
There was another key record that Starc and Stokes combined to create - they became the first pair of bowlers to register five-wicket hauls on the opening day of an Ashes Test since 2005 when Steve Harmison and Glenn McGrath achieved the feat. The difference between the two batting displays on the first day was the intent in scoring.
Knowing that the spicy surface wouldn't be favourable for traditional Test match batting, England's Bazball approached meant that they were able to notch up 172 in just 32.5 overs. Harry Brook (52 off 61) and Jamie Smith (33 off 22) were the major contributors for the visitors who were bowled out early in the second session.
In contrast, the Aussies have faced 37 deliveries more already and are still 49 behind England's first innings score. Recent trend of Tests at Perth have seen the pitches easing out as the match progresses. The second day's play will give a clearer picture but at stumps on the opening day, it is Stokes' England who are in the box seat.
