Australia and English you started from the most expected 2025-26 Ashes series With the 1st Test in Perth, set the stage for another chapter in their historic rivalry. The opening match, which began on November 21, has already witnessed breathtaking moments and dramatic turns, keeping cricket fans glued to their screens. Visiting Day 2, Australia are watching themselves after being shown a certain English and the atmosphere in Perth was palpable as they expect the bottom side to take the upper hand.
Mitchell Starc’s flying stunner hit him with a pair of wickets on Day 2
Day 2 delivered an extraordinary moment shortly after the restart of play Mitchell Starc An incredible reflex to catch, send Zach Crawley Back to the pavilion for a duck – his second of the match. Starc, charging the ball, full outside off, outside the lane, wanted to sweep it down the ground. In what was Pure Athletic Brilliance: Temption got away from the ball, somehow managed to extend his left hand at the last moment, and it came out of thin air, inches above the turf.
The drama intensified when the third umpire reviewed Starc’s fingers going under the ball at the moment of contact. Slow-motion replays revealed a clean catch that confirmed Crawley’s dismissal for a pair (0 in both overs). England, suddenly 0-1 in their second innings, felt the stain of Starc’s skill and the psychological impact of that wicket, as reflected in the cheers for Australia’s pace. Starc’s numbers reflect his dominance at that point: 5 for 13 runs in 5 overs, 7 wickets for 58 runs continues his first innings impact.
Here is the video:
What a ridiculous thing it takes! Mitchell Starc sends Zak Crawley for a couple! #Aşlar | #Playoftheday | @nrmaInsurance pic.twitter.com/1cg8ptlzx4
– Cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2025
England strengthen their lead despite an early blow
Despite early setbacks, England began to build a slim lead, painfully and impressively in the face of Australian pressure. At lunch on Day 2, England moved to 59/1 after 15 overs with the opener Ben Duckett undefeated at 28 and Ollie Pope Hold steady with 24. Disciplined bowling from the pair of Starc, Scott Bolandand Brendan DoggettOperates in neat channels with Australia but struggles consistently.
England’s first innings set the tone for the contest, a skilful 172 from 32.5 overs, equipped with attacking contributions Harry Brook (52) and Jamie Smith (33). Australia’s answer to disciplined seaming and swing, esp Ben Stokeswho bagged five wickets as the home side collapsed to 132.
As England’s setup raced to 99 by lunch, the narrative of the game shifted towards strategic batting and scoreboard pressure. Australia’s bowlers, led by Starc, maintained their relentless pace and intent but failed to penetrate after an early wicket. With Duckett and Pope leading the charge and a strong batting line-up, the visitors left with renewed optimism and a chance to dictate terms in the afternoon session.
Read: 2025-26: fans go gaga as Mitchell Starc collapses England by seven wickets on Day 1 of Perth Test
