Opening test Ashes 2025-26 series between Australia and English Launched on 21 November 2025 at the iconic Optus Stadium in Perth, it delivered high-intensity cricket that saw swings of pace and dramatic moments. England after reaching 172 in their first innings thanks to an outstanding 7-wicket drive Mitchell StarcAustralia fielded a promising bowling attack but stumbled from day 2 as Australia struggled mightily. The Perth wicket, known for offering help to the Pacers, played its part well in shaping the early going of this Ashes.
Superb Low Catch by Steve Smith takes out Ben Duckett on Day 2
Day 2, 16.2 at the beginning of the second session, Scott Boland Delivered a superb length ball outside off stump to England Ben Duckett. The ball took an edge and Duckett was caught low and sharp, trying to navigate the hard bowling Steve Smith at second slip. Smith made no mistake as he cleared the clearance with his fingers under the ball and highlighted the advances. This dismissal saw Duckett make 40 runs off 40 balls in 28 overs, three boundaries of which marked Bolanda’s maiden Test wicket. At this point, England were 65 for 2 with a lead of 105 runs.
The moment highlighted Smith’s slips in the slips and sharp reflexes, contributing significantly to Australia’s controversy after England’s relatively strong position early in the innings. Smith’s capture was pivotal in putting added pressure on England’s Middle Order, which soon struggled against the hostile Australian bowling.
Here is the video:
Steve Smith catches a Lowey on Day 2 of the Ashes pic.twitter.com/g0sfn92lxj
– Aatish Kapoor Oscar Winner (@akashthapa2505) November 22, 2025
See also: Mitchell Starc takes a shout to remove Zak Crawley for another duck on Day 2 of the Perth Test
England’s Middle Order collapsed under Australian bowling pressure
England’s innings was a traveling tale on Day 2, eventually tilting in Australia’s favour. After a steady start that took them to 59 for 59 by lunch, England’s Middle Order was significantly loaded against a hostile and disciplined Australian attack led by BOBAND and STARC. The visitors faced sharp pace, bounce and seam movement and the batting line-up came under building pressure.
Starc continued his relentless bowling streak, taking multiple wickets as he suffocated England’s defence, suffocating the entire state and creating pressure with the edges. Highlighted by the dismissal of key fights, including collapse Ollie Pope (33 runs) and Joe root (8 runs), as England fall to 83 for 5. The partnership between Duckett and Pope was briefly halted by a 50-run stand, but quickly broke after lunch.
England’s top and middle order failed to capitalize on Australia’s bowling lead in their first innings. The visitors’ fragile batting on a lively Perth surface put them under pressure for crucial runs to rebuild and secure control in the Test. Finally, in England’s second innings, England set a target of 205 and conceded 205 to Australia to fight for survival in the first Ashes Test.
