PERTH: The first day of the Ashes Test at Perth Stadium delivered a thrilling showcase of fast-bowling prowess, with a total of 19 wickets tumbling as both teams struggled to find consistency with the bat.
England, fielding first, faced relentless pace attack led by Mitchell Starc, who tore through their batting lineup. The visitors were dismissed for just 172 in 32.5 overs. Starc’s fiery spell included an opening wicket, dismissing Zak Crawley for a duck, and culminated in impressive figures of 7/58 from 12.5 overs.
Harry Brook was the top scorer for England with 52 runs off 61 balls, hitting five boundaries and a six. Ollie Pope contributed a resilient 46 from 58 balls, with four fours, while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith added a quick 33 off 22 balls, including six boundaries, to offer some resistance.
In response, Australia’s innings was interrupted by disciplined bowling, ending at 123/9 by stumps, trailing by 49 runs. England’s captain, Ben Stokes, spearheaded the bowling attack with a fiery spell of 5/23 in six overs, claiming key wickets including Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland.
Jofra Archer also played a pivotal role early, claiming two wickets including Jake Weatherald for a duck in the second ball of the match and Marnus Labuschagne for 9 off 41 balls adding pressure on the hosts.
As both teams look to rebuild their innings, the battle for dominance continues on day two, with bowlers once again poised to shape the outcome.
