Starc's Fierce Spell Sinks England's Hopes
England's batting lineup suffered a spectacular collapse on the opening day of the Ashes series in Perth, demolished by a breathtaking bowling performance from Australia's Mitchell Starc. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first on a green-tinged pitch, the tourists were humiliatingly bowled out for a paltry 172 runs in just 33 overs.
A Woeful Start for the Tourists
The rot set in immediately, with opener Zak Crawley edging the sixth ball of the day to slip for a duck. The disaster deepened when former captain Joe Root, desperately seeking his first Test century on Australian soil, was also dismissed for a seven-ball duck. He was squared up by a menacing delivery from Starc, a wicket that also marked the left-arm quick's 100th in Ashes cricket.
There was a brief flicker of resistance from the middle order. Ollie Pope compiled a patient 46, while Harry Brook played with audacious bravado for a rapid 52. Brook's innings was a remarkable display of aggression, stepping away to the leg side and even charging down the pitch in an attempt to dominate the bowling.
Australia's Reply and Early Breakthrough
However, once Pope was trapped lbw by Cameron Green and captain Ben Stokes had his stumps shattered by Starc shortly after lunch, the innings fell apart. From 160 for five, the tail folded, losing five wickets for just 12 runs. Debutant Brendan Doggett claimed the key wicket of Brook, before a simple short-ball plan accounted for Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith.
In reply, Australia reached 15 for one at tea. Jofra Archer provided a moment of hope for England, striking with his second ball to knock over debutant opener Jake Weatherald for a duck. Despite several near misses, the home side navigated the rest of the session without further loss, leaving the match firmly in their control after a devastating first day for the visitors.
