Ashes 2025: England Rock Australia as Starc Shines

Ashes 2025: Day One Drama at Perth Stadium

The first Ashes Test of 2025 erupted into chaos at Perth Stadium as England's fiery pace attack dismantled Australia's batting lineup, while Mitchell Starc produced a career-best performance with the ball. Day one delivered everything cricket fans crave: controversy, collapse, and compelling individual battles.

England's Bowling Barrage

England's pace trio of Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Gus Atkinson exploited Perth's bouncy surface to devastating effect. Carse led the charge with his relentless accuracy, while Archer's brute pace caused panic through Australia's top order. The key moment came when Steve Smith, Australia's linchpin, edged a thick outside edge to Harry Brook in the slips for a brutal 17 off 49 balls.

"The pace, bounce and accuracy from the English is elite, and the Aussie bats don't have the attacking instinct to counter any of it," observed commentators as Smith's wicket fell. Smith's dismissal triggered a collapse that saw Australia plummet to 4-31, with Usman Khawaja's controversial run-out adding to the drama.

Khawaja Drama and Top-Order Collapse

Usman Khawaja's participation became the day's talking point. After being off the field for an extended period, he was prevented from opening the batting due to time restrictions. When he finally joined Marnus Labuschagne at the crease, he lasted just one ball, nicking Carse to the keeper.

Labuschagne followed suit soon after, chopping onto his stumps to a delivery that kept low. Travis Head, Australia's designated aggressor, survived multiple scares – including a leading edge that just cleared backward point – as England's bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Head's defiance provided the lone bright spot in Australia's struggle.

Starc's Career-Best Morning Spell

While Australia's batsmen faltered in the evening, their bowlers had set the tone earlier in the day. Mitchell Starc produced a spell that will be remembered for years, taking his career-best figures to dismantle England's fragile batting lineup. His ability to extract steep bounce and late swing proved irresistible on the Perth deck.

"As the Aussie batters purchase houses on Struggle Street, let's remember the brilliance of Mitchell Starc from this morning," commentators noted. Starc's performance was crucial in restricting England to a mere 172, giving Australia a chance to seize control. However, the batting unit's inability to capitalize on this advantage defined the day's narrative.

What's Next?

With Australia reeling at 4-31 and Travis Head the only recognized batter remaining, pressure is mounting on the middle and lower order. The pitch is expected to deteriorate further, offering more assistance to the quicks. England, having seized the early initiative, will be confident of pushing for a significant first-innings lead.

The Ashes is already living up to its billing, with tactical battles, individual duels, and on-field drama setting the stage for a thrilling series. Day one belonged to England's bowlers, but Australia's fightback will be equally compelling to watch unfold.