Ashes 2025 1st Test Day 1 Highlights: England Seize Control in Dramatic 19-Wicket Opening Day. In a day full of chaos and drama in the first Test of the Ashes 2025 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Day 1 featured 19 wickets. This was the most in an Ashes Test match in Australia in more than 100 years. England ended the day with the better position despite being bowled out cheaply.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, England struggled. Led by a sensational Mitchell Starc, Australia’s pace attack blew the England top order away, and England found themselves 39/3. Harry Brook and Ollie Pope offered some resistance with a 55-run partnership, with Brook scoring a battling half-century. However, once that partnership came to an end, Starc returned to run through the England lower order, ending with 7 for 58 – one of his best career spells in Ashes cricket. England were bowled out for 172.
Australia Collapse Under Stokes’ Fiery Spell
Australia’s reply was another complete turn of events. England captain Ben Stokes produced a fiery and relentless spell, with an amazing five wickets that ripped through the Australian top order. The hosts stumbled from the start, eventually finishing Day 1 at 123/9, still 49 runs behind.
The pitch at Perth had a significant impact. Pace and bounce and movement offered all day – a surface where the fast bowlers from both teams were on top. Analysts mentioned during the game that England’s pace attack constantly created pressure without making too much use of the conditions.
Also Read: AUS vs ENG 1st Test: Mitchell Starc Completes 100 Ashes Wickets With Fiery Opening Spell In Perth
With Australia on their last wicket and still trailing, England are headed into Day 2 with a golden chance to tighten their grip on the first Test. It has been a fractious start to the series, which has ignited a fiery battle in the Ashes.