Joe Root made 0 and 8 in the first Ashes 2025-26 Test in Perth, with Mitchell Starc taking his wicket.
Joe Root’s torrid time in Australia in the Ashes 2025-26 has continued. Root, one of the leading batters in the world and second on the list of most runs in the Test format, is yet to score a century in Tests in Australia.
There were many hopes for the ace England batter when the first Ashes 2025-26 Test began in Perth, but the fiery left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc had Root’s wicket in both innings. In the first innings, Starc had Root caught by Marnus Labuschagne for a duck in seven balls.
England made 172 in their first innings. However, their bowlers roared back in style as Australia was bowled out for 132 runs as 19 wickets fell on the first day of the Perth Test.
Having a lead of 40 runs, England walked out in the second innings, looking to put up a big score despite losing Zak Crawley for his second duck of the Test, dismissed by Starc. Then Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope added 65 runs before England collapsed again.
Joe Root was supposed to halt the collapse, but Steve Smith brought on Mitchell Starc in attack, and the England star was bowled off the inside edge for 8 runs. England was bowled out for 164 runs, setting Australia 205 runs to win the Test. Mitchell Starc shined with a 10-fer in the match.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad, who was on commentary duties, was horrified and closed his eyes in despair after seeing Root's wicket.
While Matthew Hayden and Alison Mitchell narrated the dismissal, Broad sat silent, hands on his head, apparently stunned by the abrupt change in pace.
It's been a harsh test for hitters, with 26 wickets tumbling in the opening four and a half sessions. Root's struggles have come to represent England's larger battle to adjust to the difficult circumstances in Perth.