ASHES TEST 1, DAY 1: Review.
What a start. The urn arrived in Perth with all the usual fanfare, but the opening session delivered a reminder that Ashes cricket never waits to throw a punch.
Chaos at the toss and a top order meltdown
Ben Stokes won the toss for England and chose to bat. It was a brave decision on a seam-friendly wicket with cloud cover hovering. The immediate return was brutal. Mitchell Starc tore through the top order, removing Zak Crawley for a duck before knocking over Ben Duckett and Joe Root inside the first session. England were already wobbling at 105 for 4 by lunch.
Australia take control through relentless bowling
Despite missing Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s attack looked sharp and disciplined. Starc was outstanding with movement, bounce and accuracy. England had no answer. They were bowled out for 172 in only 32.5 overs. It felt light and it was.
The twist that swung the day
Just when Australia were ready to settle in and grind out a lead, England hit back hard. Ben Stokes flipped the script and turned destroyer. He ripped through Australia’s lower order with a blistering spell, taking five wickets in six overs. Australia closed the day on 123 for 9, still 49 runs behind. Nineteen wickets fell on the first day. That is the most on Day 1 of an Ashes Test since 1909.
The Big Picture
England’s batting showed intent but very little resistance.
Australia’s bowling controlled the morning and punished England’s mistakes.
England’s bowlers then delivered the session of the day and cracked Australia wide open.
The pitch offered movement, bounce and enough unpredictability to make every ball feel dangerous.
Key Players
Mitchell Starc was the standout early with a brilliant new ball spell.
Ben Stokes produced a captain’s performance with the ball when the match felt like it was slipping away.
England’s top order failed to handle the conditions.
Australia’s tail crumbled quickly under pressure late in the day.
Turning Point
England’s decision to bat first on a green Perth wicket set the tone. The collapse that followed handed Australia complete control. Stokes’ late burst swung momentum back England’s way and ensured the day stayed alive.
What It Means For Day 2
Australia need to squeeze out every last run and then use the conditions again with the ball. England will be desperate to extend their lead and avoid another rapid collapse. The first session tomorrow will define the match.
