Ashes 2025-26 witnessed a historic opening day at Perth Stadium, as Australia and England tumbled hard to stay in the game.
A total of 19 wickets fell on the first day, breaking the record for most wickets on Day 1 of an Ashes Test in 100 years.
Most wickets on the opening day of an Ashes Test in the last 100 years
- 19 Perth Stadium 2025 (Eng 10, Aus 9)
- 17 Trent Bridge 2001 (Eng 10, Aus 7)
- 17 Lord’s 2005 (Aus 10, Eng 7)
England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and decided to bat first, however they were restricted for 172 runs as senior pacer Mitchell Starc produced a fiery spell of 7-58 in 12.5 overs.
Starc began the carnage by dismissing opener Zak Crawley for a duck and continued to tear through the top order, dismissing Ben Duckett, Joe Root and Stokes, completing his 17th fifer in Test cricket.
England batters Harry Brook (52 off 61) and Ollie Pope (46 off 58) put up a strong fight before the innings folded inside 33 overs.
Australia’s innings did not go as planned as Ben Stokes turned tormentor with the ball, taking five wickets, while star pacer Jofra Archer chipped in with 2-11 to leave the hosts at a meager position.
At stumps, Australia’s score stands at 123/9 with a trail of 49 runs.
