A dramatic opening day in Perth pits both teams against each other in closely changing fortunes Ashes 2025-26 Test match. Australia took control of the game and made an early breakthrough Mitchell Starc Tear apart England’s Batting Order with a blitzing seven-wicket haul.
Posted by Australian Pacer English Reel for a total of 172 in 32.5 overs. But England came back strongly in the second session, led by the captain’s determined efforts Ben StokesWho inspired a wreck in the Australian top order. At the close of play, Australia are also struggling at 123/9, with 19 wickets to spare in the 19th over, exciting for both sides, but falling on a penalty day. The game swung in dramatic fashion with fortunes changing on all of the ports at every turn.
Ashes 2025-26: Mitchell Starc’s explosive bowling collapses England
Starc’s bowling performance on Day 1 was a defining moment of the match. Starc has dismantled England’s top order and with precision, vibrancy and accuracy, he has dismantled the vein lines with unmatched accuracy. From the first ball, Starc made his presence felt, removing Zak Crawley for a duck with a crisp delivery that caught the outside edge.
His pace was too much for the rest of England and he had no answer to his swing delivery. In quick succession, Starc sent Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Stokes et al Jamie Smith Back to the pavilion leaving England restarting on 172 on 172. Starc’s Seven Wicket Haul was a true display of his ability in difficult conditions and it is only Australia who managed to put England on the back foot.
Supported by Starc Cameron Green and Brendan Doggettwhich provide major breakthroughs and occur with important masonry. Green’s accurate bowling helped halt England’s momentum and Doggett’s consistent performance helped Australia maintain the upper hand. The Australian bowlers were relentless, never allowing the English bowlers to settle in and with England’s innings reeling, it was clear that Australia were in the ascendancy.
Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes’ five-wicket haul and Australia’s disappointment
After a monotone start, England came back with the stocks leading the charge. The England captain, known for his fiery temper and determination, inspired a much-needed turnaround by pulling out key Australian trends in the second session. His writing with the ball was pivotal in bringing England back into the match. Stokes was dismissed Marnus labuschagne and Head of TravisTwo of Australia’s best fighters, with devastating accuracy. The touring Australia top order suddenly found themselves under pressure as the score fell between 53/1 and 53/4.
Australia’s collapse was swift and the England bowlers, especially Stoke, were exploiting every crack in the Australian batting. The pressure built as Australia lost wickets in quick succession Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc It falls soon. With tea at 53/4, Australia were staring down the barrel and as the day progressed, they struggled. Leading middle and lower orders Steve Smith and Cameron Greenfailed to provide the resistance needed to build a partnership. As the day drew to a close, Australia were out at just 123/9, only Nathan Lyon and Brendan Doggett remaining in the crease.
Stokes’ leadership and the pressure exerted by England’s bowlers will leave Australia with a mountain to climb on Day 2, leaving them with a wreckage, and they will need to be quick to avoid being bowled over cheaply. The coming sessions will be tough for both teams, with Australia looking to clean up England’s tail and looking to make full use of their momentum.
Read: 2025-26: fans go gaga as Mitchell Starc collapses England by seven wickets on Day 1 of Perth Test
Here is the reaction of the fans:
If this first day is anything to go by, it’s going to be a cracker of an Ashes series
Day 1 – 19 skts
Phewwww 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯# Ashes2025 #Ausvseng #Crickettwitter
– DK (@dineshkarthik) 21 November 2025
Only 19 wickets fell today perth but great days cricket.
Oh no! What if tomorrow is the same in Guwahati? pic.twitter.com/4nw31yc0sb
– Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) 21 November 2025
No cummins, no Hazlewood no problem says Starc. 7/58 to start the Ashes! Good slander 👏 # Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/dug68lkdv0
– Wasim Jaffer (@Wasimjaffer14) 21 November 2025
I don’t think there is an English athlete who has provided so many clutch moments for their country…
Like Ben Stokes.
— Dougie Critchley (@dougiecritchley) 21 November 2025
What is a maverick ben stock. Trying to take the game away from them and then trying to take the middle order and the next five wickets and then came to the bowl with Australia.
An unforgettable addition!
A legend of the game, indeed. #Aşlar pic.twitter.com/afvdyn3blp
– Cricketologist (@ amp86793444) 21 November 2025
Englands Bowlers have been absolutely fantastic so far… The batsmen haven’t produced but my word this attack looks too good for this pitch… #Aşlar
— Michael Vaughan (@michaelvolaughan) 21 November 2025
Ben Stokes …………… .. 🙃 #Aşlar
– Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@chloeAhandab) 21 November 2025
Incredible test cricket #eats
– Isa Guha (@isaguha) 21 November 2025
Breathe 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞, one wicket at a time
Brdon Carse | #Ausveng pic.twitter.com/dc8i3j5mj9
– Sunrisers Hyderabad (@sunrisers) 21 November 2025
Two clutch bowlers, Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes both hit sensational fives on Day 1 of the Ashes Test ⚡⚡#Cricket #Mitchellstarch #Benstokes # Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/uadvkesu56
– CricketTimes.com (@crickettimeshq) 21 November 2025
Read: Ashes 2025-26: Brydon Carse removes Usman Khawaja with a wild snorter on Day 1 of the Perth Test
