Cricket witnessed one of its most extraordinary opening days in modern Ashes history on Friday as 19 wickets fell at Perth Stadium — the most recorded on Day 1 of an Ashes Test in over a century. What unfolded was a gripping spectacle defined by dramatic collapses, electric pace bowling, and two stunning spells from Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes, who dragged the match in opposite directions within hours.

The day began under perfect skies when England captain Ben Stokes chose to bat. What followed, however, was anything but perfect for his side.

Starc Dismantles England With 7-58

Mitchell Starc powered Australia into early dominance with one of his finest Ashes spells. His rhythm was sharp, his swing late, and his accuracy relentless. England’s innings never achieved stability as Starc tore through the top and lower orders, collecting 7-58, his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

His early breakthroughs set the tone:

• Zak Crawley removed for a duck
• Ben Duckett trapped on 21
• Joe Root dismissed for nought within minutes

Only Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46) provided resistance, carrying England past 170 before Starc wrapped up the tail. England finished on 172, a total that looked bleak but soon appeared competitive.

Most Wickets on Day 1 of an Ashes Test in 100 Years

• 19 wickets – Perth Stadium, 2025
• 17 wickets – Trent Bridge, 2001
• 17 wickets – Lord’s, 2005

Perth now stands alone at the top of this list.

England Strike Back: Archer & Carse Ignite the Contest

If England looked buried, their bowlers refused to surrender. Jofra Archer, steaming in at full pace, struck Jake Weatherald lbw for a second-ball duck. He later breached Marnus Labuschagne’s defence after a 41-ball struggle.

Australia slid from 17-0 to 31-4, as Brydon Carse removed Steve Smith on 17 and followed it by dismissing a stiff-looking Usman Khawaja, who had not opened due to discomfort.

Australia’s middle order attempted recovery but repeatedly fell short:

• Cameron Green (24)
• Travis Head (21)
• Alex Carey (26)
• Mitchell Starc (12)

Each made starts before succumbing to England’s persistent aggression.

Stokes Takes Control: 5-23 Turns the Match Upside Down

In the final session, Stokes sensed an opening and brought himself into the attack. The decision changed the complexion of the day once again.

Bowling with energy and purpose, he dismantled Australia’s lower order, returning figures of 5-23 — a captain’s spell that ensured England stayed alive in a match that seemed to be slipping away hours earlier.

Australia collapsed to 123-9 at stumps, still 49 runs behind England’s first-innings total. Nathan Lyon was unbeaten on three, with Brendan Doggett yet to face a ball.

A Day for Ashes History

Brydon Carse captured the mood perfectly when he said, “Everyone who came today certainly got their money’s worth — 19 wickets.”

The opening day at Perth Stadium joins the pantheon of unforgettable Ashes contests, surpassing the chaos of Trent Bridge 2001 and Lord’s 2005 in sheer volume of wickets and unpredictability.

For the first time in 100 years, an Ashes Test has delivered such an extraordinary script — one driven by two leaders, Starc and Stokes, trading blows under the Perth sun as cricket history was rewritten.