Starc's Fiery Spell Wrecks England's Batting Line-up
An electrifying opening day of the Ashes series in Perth saw the game turned completely on its head, delivering a spectacle for a record crowd of over 51,000. Australia's Mitchell Starc produced a devastating bowling performance, claiming a Test-best seven for 58 to skittle England out for a paltry 172 inside just 33 overs.
Starc was virtually unplayable, dismantling England's top order with precision and pace. He dismissed Zak Crawley for a six-ball duck in the very first over, before accounting for Ben Duckett and the key wicket of Joe Root, who also fell for a seven-ball duck. The left-armer saved his best delivery for England's captain, Ben Stokes, clean bowling him with a magnificent ball that seamed past the inside edge.
Despite the carnage, Ollie Pope provided some resistance with a composed 46, while Harry Brook smashed a quickfire half-century. However, England's innings fell away dramatically, losing their last five wickets for just 19 runs.
Stokes Leads Stunning England Fightback with the Ball
If Australia believed they had secured a commanding position, England's five-man pace attack had other ideas. Replying to England's seemingly anaemic total, Australia themselves collapsed in spectacular fashion, staggering to stumps at 123 for nine, still 49 runs behind.
The comeback was orchestrated by Ben Stokes, who produced a mesmerising spell of six overs, taking five wickets for just 23 runs. He was brilliantly supported by the entire pace unit. Jofra Archer, playing his first Test in Australia, and Brydon Carse chipped in with two wickets apiece.
Gus Atkinson bowled an immaculate opening spell, and Mark Wood terrorised the batsmen with raw pace, clocking speeds over 94mph. The pressure told on the Australian batters, with even the experienced Steve Smith edging behind to second slip, much to the delight of the travelling Barmy Army.
A Day of High Drama Sets Up Epic Series
The opening day was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring 19 wickets and shifting momentum. From Starc's early dominance to England's blistering counter-attack, it was a day of raw, madcap Test cricket that left fans breathless.
The wasteful strokeplay from both sides, which would normally be criticised, was overshadowed by the sheer quality and aggression of the bowling. England's pace-bowling blitz clearly got under the skin of the Australian batsmen, forcing uncharacteristic errors.
With the tourists finishing the day in a commanding position despite their low first-innings score, this resounding statement from Stokes and his attack has perfectly set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling Ashes series. If this opening day is any indication, cricket fans are in for an unforgettable seven weeks.
