The 2025–26 Ashes began with a dramatic opening day in Perth, dominated by England captain Ben Stokes’ remarkable six-over spell that produced a stunning five-wicket haul. England were bowled out first for a modest 172, largely due to Mitchell Starc’s extraordinary performance, as the Australian pacer delivered his career-best Test figures with seven wickets.
Despite England’s early setback, the match quickly shifted when Stokes unleashed one of the most destructive spells by an Ashes captain in decades. His impact turned a seemingly steady Australian innings into a sudden collapse, giving England an unexpected grip on the contest.
A Partnership Broken And History Made
Australia’s innings began shakily with Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse dismantling the top order. Although Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson bowled accurately, the wickets dried up as Travis Head and Cameron Green built a crucial 45-run stand for the fifth wicket. At that moment, Stokes brought himself into the attack, instantly changing the complexion of the innings.
He dismissed Head with a loose shot in his very first over, creating an opening that Australia never recovered from. In his second over, Stokes lured Cameron Green into edging a wide delivery to the wicketkeeper, a clever tactical setup that highlighted his sharp cricketing instincts. From there, the floodgates opened.
Mitchell Starc became his next victim when he attempted to counterattack, only to mistime his stroke. Alex Carey followed soon after, falling to a bouncer guided straight to the third man fielder. Scott Boland’s dismissal in the same over sealed Stokes’ five-for, making him the first English captain in 43 years to take a five-wicket haul in an Ashes Test. He ended the day with breathtaking figures of 5 for 23 off just 6 overs.
A Century-Defying Day As 19 Wickets Fall
The day turned into one for the history books as a total of 19 wickets fell across both innings—something that had not happened on an Ashes opening day in over a century. England’s total of 172 seemed below par initially, but Australia’s batting collapse shifted the momentum entirely. By stumps, Australia were reeling at 121 for 9, still trailing by 51 runs and relying on their last pair to cut down the deficit.
The chaotic nature of the day, marked by reckless shots, disciplined bowling, and sudden momentum swings, suggested that the Test may not last the full three days. With Stokes’ brilliance and Starc’s milestone achievements shaping the narrative, the Ashes opener has already set the stage for a gripping and unpredictable series.
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