Wickets flew on the opening day of the first Ashes Test in Perth as 19 wickets tumbled, leaving the match finely balanced after a chaotic start to the series. England were dismissed for 172 after choosing to bat, with Mitchell Starc producing a devastating 7-58 to rip through the top and middle order. Only Harry Brook, who made 52, and Ollie Pope with 46, held firm for the visitors. Starc struck in his opening spell to remove Zak Crawley for a duck before trapping Ben Duckett on 21. Joe Root followed soon after, edging behind for a duck. After lunch, Starc returned to dismantle Ben Stokes with an inswinger and later cleaned up the tail for his 17th five-wicket haul. England’s innings offered few bright moments beyond Brook’s counterattack, which included a six off Scott Boland. His stay ended soon after when he feathered a short ball behind, giving Brendan Doggett his first Test wicket. Despite being bowled out cheaply, England responded with pace and precision. Led by Stokes, who took 5-23, the attack reduced Australia to 123-9 by stumps, still 49 runs behind. Brydon Carse, who removed Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, said afterwards: “What a day. I think everyone that’s come today has got their time’s worth – 19 wickets. Fantastic last session from everyone to put us in a strong position heading into tomorrow.” Australia’s reply began shakily when Jake Weatherald, on debut, was floored by a Jofra Archer delivery and fell lbw for a second-ball duck. Marnus Labuschagne battled for 41 balls but was bowled by a fuller, rapid Archer delivery for nine. Smith made 17 before edging Carse to slip, and Khawaja, coming in at four due to stiffness and a rule that barred him from opening, lasted only six balls before a rising delivery from Carse nicked his bat on the way to the keeper.
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Cameron Green (24), Travis Head (21), Alex Carey (26) and Starc (12) all got starts but none converted, with Stokes breaking each partnership as Australia lost momentum through the evening session. Nathan Lyon remained unbeaten on three alongside Doggett at stumps, as both sides prepared for what promises to be another tense day in Perth.
