Ashes Shock in Perth: 19 Wickets Fall on a Dramatic Opening Day as England hold the edge

 

The Ashes series began with extraordinary drama as 19 wickets tumbled on the very first day in Perth. The challenging 22-yard strip troubled batters from both Australia and England, turning the match into a bowlers’ battlefield. England, batting first, were bundled out for 172, and by stumps Australia were reeling at 123/9, still 49 runs behind. Mitchell Starc grabbed a sensational 7-wicket haul, while Ben Stokes responded with an impressive 5 wickets of his own.

The day began with the Starc–Brendan Doggett combination ripping through England. Later, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Stokes took charge with the ball for England. If the bowlers maintain this dominance, the Test could very well finish inside two days. Though England looked cornered at the start, it was Australia who found themselves under immense pressure by day’s end. The nature of the Perth pitch is also likely to invite scrutiny—similar to the debate that followed the India–South Africa Test at Eden Gardens, which finished in two and a half days.

Perth’s well-known pace, bounce, and swing proved too much for both teams’ batters. Those who believe cricket is primarily a batters’ game might reconsider after watching this Test. Despite the conditions, England still managed to score at over five runs an over, while Australia went at just over three—a difference reflecting contrasting mindsets. England coach Brendon McCullum’s “Bazball” philosophy emphasises aggressive cricket regardless of circumstances. England’s batters embraced this, scoring at a white-ball tempo, while Australia played far more conservatively.

Winning the toss, Stokes chose to bat, but England’s top order failed to capitalise. Opener Zak Crawley fell for 0, followed by Ben Duckett for 21, both dismissed by Starc. Joe Root also departed without scoring out to an unplayable away going ball from Starc , increasing the pressure. At 39/3, England looked in deep trouble. Ollie Pope (46) and Harry Brook (52) steadied the innings with a 55-run stand for the fourth wicket as both batted well , but the rest of the batting faltered. Jamie Smith contributed 33, but England were bowled out in just 32.5 overs. Starc was the chief destroyer with 7 for 58, supported by Doggett’s 2 for 27 and Cameron Green’s 1 for 10. Boland was unimpressive as he was carted for runs by the tourists causing worries for Australia. 

Australia’s reply was equally shaky. By stumps, they were nine down, with Steve Smith’s side under severe pressure in  front of a relentless England pace attack . Openers Jake Weatherald (0) and Marnus Labuschagne (9) fell cheaply, and Smith managed only 17. Usman Khawaja (2) also failed, leaving Australia struggling at 31/4 as the England quicks generated extra pace & lift . Travis Head (21) and Green (24) attempted to rebuild, but without much success. Alex Carey played aggressively for a 26-ball 26, but found no support at the other end. Starc’s 12 was the only double-digit score lower down.

England’s bowling was led by Stokes, who claimed 5 for 23. Archer (2 for 11) and Carse (2 for 45) provided strong backing.

A chaotic opening day has set the tone for a gripping Test match, with bowlers dictating the narrative from the very first session.