AUS vs ENG 1st Test: Ashes Opener Turns Wild! Starc’s Brilliance and Stokes’ Magic Define Day 1

THE ASHES are on! Day one of the Ashes in Perth gave fans exactly what they hoped for. Raw pace, fierce swing, nineteen wickets, and two unforgettable spells that set the tone for a classic series. From the first ball to the final whistle, the match moved at a breathless pace and reminded everyone why the Ashes carries so much pride and passion.

DAY 1, First Test of Ashes 2025 Highlights

First Session: The opening session was pure drama. Mitchell Starc charged in with the new ball, and the atmosphere felt electric. He did not need fiery yorkers to begin with because his first over was enough to shake England. Zak Crawley was gone for a duck, and England were on the back foot straightaway.

Scott Boland struggled to find his rhythm, and England tried to recover through Duckett and Pope. But Starc kept landing the ball on dangerous lengths. He trapped Duckett LBW and then produced a beauty to remove Joe Root for a duck. England were suddenly three down inside the first hour despite winning the toss.

Ollie Pope and Harry Brook made a valiant effort to counterattack. Pope was steady while Brook played his natural, fearless game. Their partnership brought some relief for England. However, Cameron Green ended the fight with the final ball before lunch by trapping Pope LBW. Australia were in full control.

Second Session: This session belonged completely to Mitchell Starc. With Cummins and Hazlewood missing, all eyes were on him, and he delivered a dream spell. He ripped through England and picked up his first-ever seven-wicket haul in Tests. Starc continued to trouble Stokes, Smith, and everyone in between. Brook reached a fifty but could not carry on as debutant Doggett broke the stand.

England then collapsed quickly. A mix of sharp bowling and poor shot selection saw the visitors bowled out for just 172 in only 32.5 overs. When Australia came out to bat, England fought back strongly. Jofra Archer dismissed debutant Weatherald for a second-ball duck, and the rest of the pacers kept things tight. Labuschagne and Smith had to battle hard as Archer, Wood, and Atkinson beat the edge repeatedly.

Third Session: The final session added another twist to a day full of surprises. Perth favoured the fast bowlers, and England made the most of it. Ben Stokes bowled a brilliant six-over spell filled with control and smart changes of pace. His five-wicket haul tore through Australia’s middle order, and suddenly England were in front despite their low first innings total.

By stumps, Australia had lost nine wickets for just 123, and the match had completely changed direction. Nineteen wickets fell in total, all to seamers, making this one of the most dramatic Ashes opening days in a century.