A dramatic opening day in Perth saw both teams struggle amid changing fortunes The Ashes 2025-26 Test match. Australia took control of the game with early success Mitchell Starc Destroyed England’s batting order by taking seven wickets.
Australian pacer sent a spell England All out for just 172 runs in 32.5 overs. However, England made a strong comeback in the second session due to the captain’s determined efforts ben stokesWhich led to the collapse of the Australian top order. By the end of play, Australia found themselves struggling at 123/9, with 19 wickets falling, making it an exciting but punishing day for both teams. The game turned in dramatic fashion with fortunes changing at every turn in Perth’s grueling conditions.
Ashes 2025-26: Mitchell Starc’s explosive bowling destroys England
Starc’s bowling performance on the first day was the defining moment of the match. Starc dominated England’s top order with sheer pace and accuracy and dismantled their batting line-up with incredible accuracy. From the very first ball, Starc made his presence felt, dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck with a quicker ball that took the outside edge.
His pace was too much for the rest of England’s top order and they had no answer to his swinging balls. In immediate succession, Stark sent Ben Duckett, Joe Root, stokes and jamie smith England returned to the pavilion after being all out for 172 runs. Starc’s seven wickets were a true display of his skills in challenging conditions and it was through his brilliance that Australia managed to put England on the back foot.
got full support from stark cameron green And Brendan DoggettWho provided important successes and took important wickets. Green’s accurate bowling helped contain England’s momentum and Doggett’s steady performance was crucial in ensuring Australia maintained the lead. The Australian bowlers were relentless, never allowing the English batsmen to settle and when England’s innings ended, it was clear that Australia were dominant.
Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes’ five-wicket haul and Australia’s disappointment
After a shaky start, England made a strong comeback with Stokes taking charge. The England captain, known for his fiery temper and determination, inspired a much-needed turnaround in the second session by removing key Australian batsmen. His magic with the ball was crucial in getting England back into the match. stokes out marnus labuschagne And travis headTwo of Australia’s best batsmen, with tremendous accuracy. The Australian top order, which had been growing rapidly, suddenly came under pressure as the score fell from 53/1 to 53/4.
Australia’s collapse was rapid and the England bowlers, especially Stokes, exploited every crack in the Australian batting. The pressure increased due to Australia’s quick fall of wickets. alex carey And Mitchell Starc Falling soon thereafter. Australia stood at 53/4 at tea and they continued to falter as the day progressed. led the middle and lower order steve smith And cameron greenFailed to provide the resistance needed to build a partnership. As the day ended, Australia were left reeling at 123/9 nathan lyon And Brendan Doggett Remained at the crease.
Stokes’ leadership and the pressure exerted by the England bowlers proved too difficult for Australia, leaving them with a mountain to climb on the second day. Australia’s collapse after such a strong start will leave them disappointed, and they will need to regroup quickly to avoid being bowled out cheaply. The coming season will be crucial for both teams, with Australia hoping to avoid the drop altogether, while England will be keen to clean up the final finish and take full advantage of their momentum.
Here’s how fans reacted:
If this first day is anything to go by, it will be a great Ashes series
Day 1 – 19 wickets
uffuwe 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯#Ashes2025 #AusVsEng #crickettwitter
– DK (@DineshKarthik) 21 November 2025
Only 19 wickets fell in Perth today, but it was a great day of cricket.
Oh no! What if the same thing happens in Guwahati tomorrow? pic.twitter.com/4NW31yc0Sb
– Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) 21 November 2025
Starc says no Cummins, no Hazlewood, no problem. 7/58 to start the Ashes! good bowling 👏 #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/DuG68LKdV0
– Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) 21 November 2025
I don’t think there is any English player who has provided so many clutch moments for his country…
As Ben Stokes.
– Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley) 21 November 2025
Ben Stokes is so temperamental. Came to bowl in an attempt to snatch the match from Australia and then broke the middle order and lower order and took the next five wickets.
A memorable Pfeiffer!
Truly, a legend of the game. #ash pic.twitter.com/AFVDYN3Blp
– Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) 21 November 2025
England’s bowlers have been absolutely brilliant so far…the batsmen have not been able to perform well but I have to say that this attack looks very good for this pitch… #ash
– Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) 21 November 2025
Ben Stokes…………..🙃 #ash
-Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) 21 November 2025
Incredible day of test cricket #ash
– Isa Guha (@isaguha) 21 November 2025
Breathe, one wicket at a time🔥
Braydon Carse | #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/DC8i3J5mJ9
– Sunrisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) 21 November 2025
Two clutch players, Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes both hit sensational ball-hits on the first day of the Ashes Test.#Cricket #michaelstark #benstokes #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/UADVKEsU56
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 21 November 2025
Also read: Ashes 2025-26: Brydon Carse dismisses Usman Khawaja with brutal snarl on day one of Perth Test
