The Ashes 2025-26 between Australia and England got underway on November 21 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first.
Mitchell Starc ran through the England batting order, taking a career-best 7/58, while debutant Brendan Doggett took two wickets. For England, Harry Brook scored 56 runs, Ollie Pope made 46 runs, and Jamie Smith made 33 runs, as they made 172 runs.
Australia was supposed to do better on their home turf, but Jofra Archer (2/11) rattled them by dismissing openers Jake Weatherald (0) and Marnus Labuschagne (9). Then Brydon Carse (2/45) removed Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja to further deepen Australia’s troubles.
But the man of the moment proved to be England captain Ben Stokes, who picked 5/23, blowing the Australian middle order away as the hosts ended day one on 123/9, trailing by 49 runs.
The 19-wicket day one in the Perth Test has raised several questions about the pitch that was dropped in just a few days ago. The cricket fraternity was divided in their opinions, as several of them criticized and even made sarcastic jibes at the surface.
Some also stated that while wickets falling on spin-friendly pitches in Asia is looked down upon, the same is not done when it comes to pitches supporting fast bowlers overseas.
Here are some reactions:
On the other hand, multiple members of the cricket fraternity praised the first day of the Perth Test as a beautiful day of cricket, as fast bowlers ruled the roost.
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