As the cricketing world turned its sights on the pert Ashes 2025-26 It started with high drama, intensity and bitter disappointment in the opening session for England. Joe rootOne of England’s prime ministers and leaders gave the series a humiliating start to insult Mitchell Starc without disturbing the scorers. On a lively western Australian pitch that offered bounce and lateral movement, Root fell when England were already at 39/2 again.
Ashes 2015-26: Mitchell Starc dismisses Joe Root for a duck in Perth Test opener
Starc, known for his early Ashes breakthroughs, had a textbook dismissal in the fifth year. After rooting for a wide line through the post, Starc injected extra venom by firing a 142.8 kilometer delivery in the eye of roots. The ball split, deviated a little and the root “turned inside”, because it was safely cast Marnus labuschagne. With this wicket, Starc claimed his 100th Ashes scalp, cementing his legacy as one of the greats of the modern Ashes. Root’s short Vigil in seven deliveries ended with a duck that left England 39/3.
Root’s firing sent social media into a frenzy. The fans trolled the former captain mercilessly, questioning his approach and mental preparation for the high-pressure opener. ‘7-ball duck’ across platforms, memes and comments on platforms reflecting the depth of England supporters. For Root, one of test cricket’s longest run-getters, it was a nightmare start to the critical Ashes tour.
Here is the reaction of the fans:
Joe Root scored his maiden century in Australia by 100 runs. pic.twitter.com/vinel4ufwf
– Tuktuk Academy (@tuktuk_academy) 21 November 2025
Mitchell Starc Joe root 🤣 pic.twitter.com/sfj5l1jhyq
– Homie (@homelander_yyy) 21 November 2025
Test centuries in Australia –
Virat Kohli – 7
Joe Root – 0
Cricket fans consider him one of the greatest Test batsmen in centuries as he was planted on England’s straight track. pic.twitter.com/xcdg7rmp5p
– Sohel. (@Sohelvkf) 21 November 2025
Joe root for 39 for 39.
An outstanding start from Australia and what a show starc put on.
# Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/d3pnk2zzqv– Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) 21 November 2025
Joe root continues to fail in Australia.
Too straight road bully. pic.twitter.com/ikm7y353xa
– Cummins Bunny (@Cricket_fan0123) 21 November 2025
Joe went for the root duck
A boy in Mumbai at the moment: # Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/jets5maxgx
– Aman_chain 🏳️ (@amanprabhat9) 21 November 2025
Joe root went for the duck 😹#Ausvseng pic.twitter.com/kcw17fcljr
– Gagan🇮🇳 (@ 1no_aalsi_) 21 November 2025
Joe Root and Zak Crawley currently.
😂😂#Ausveng # Ashes2025 #Aşlar # -I #Englandarmy pic.twitter.com/j1xxrcjjzb– Mehra (@devmehra790) 21 November 2025
Joe root will make us cry 😭 #Ausvseng #Aşlar # Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/gelaqxpl52
– Stumper (@thestumpstory) 21 November 2025
So did Joe Root pay tribute to Mrs Dhoni today? 0 (7) by playing? https://t.co/hcgpv4oyiv
– Ripper🧛 (@ritiksharmaaa) 21 November 2025
Mitchell Starc dominates the first session of the perth test
Starc was the clear hero, Australia’s best at the start of Day 1, who gave Australia their earliest English hopes. Returning with figures of 3 wickets for just 24 runs in the first eight overs, Starc’s impact was felt not only by the root but by the entire English top order. Zach Crawley Fell in the opening, six balls off for a duck. Ben DuckettAfter a 21-run start, he was trapped LBW by another star rocket Ollie Pope He resisted before being taken out LBW Cameron Green After reviewing a failed DRS.
By lunch, the Scorecard told the story of England’s struggle: 105/4 in 23 Overs, with only Pope (46) showing remarkable insubordination. Harry Brook Remained unbeaten on 28, skipper Ben Stokes was only to find his feet at 4. Starc’s pace, accuracy and psychological edge were evident, producing a one-man show that left England on the back foot by the end of the first session.
Australia’s bowling strategy was aggressive and ruthless Scott Boland To provide support and green and Nathan Lyon tighten the screws. The fall of wickets at regular intervals reflected the discipline and tactical nous of the bowlers, while England’s review gambles on Duckett and Pope also failed.
Read: Ben Stokes vs Nathan Lyon: The 2025-26 Test series of the Test cricket captaincy
