Ashes 2025 Day 1: England Seize Early Advantage as 19 Wickets Fall in Dramatic Opener

Ashes 2025 Day 1: England Seize Early Advantage as 19 Wickets Fall in Dramatic Opener

1st Test, Day 1 – Perth:
England: 172 all out (32.5 Ovs)
Australia: 123/9 at stumps
Hosts trail by 49 runs after a breathtaking, bowler-dominated opening day

The Ashes 2025 began with an explosive start as Perth witnessed one of the most dramatic opening days in the history of the iconic Test rivalry. A total of 19 wickets tumbled in just 71.5 overs, making it the most wicket-filled Ashes Day 1 since Old Trafford 1909, where 20 fell. It was chaos, carnage, and high-quality fast bowling rolled into one – a day that gripped fans across continents.

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England Collapse… Then Hit Back Even Harder

When England were skittled out for 172 in only 32.5 overs, many supporters feared the worst. The Bazball critics sharpened their knives once again.
But then the script flipped sensationally.

England’s pace factory – spearheaded by captain Ben Stokes, who produced a stunning 5 for 23 – unleashed a relentless barrage that left Australia rattled and bruised at 123/9 by stumps.

This was not the timid England that often arrived in Australia. This was a unit armed with pace, hostility, and intent.

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Starc Shines, But Australia’s Batting Folds

Mitchell Starc was the standout performer for Australia with a career-best 7 for 58, dismantling England’s top order with trademark swing and seam. Zak Crawley was cleaned up in the first over, Joe Root fell for another duck, and the lower order vanished in a 5-for-12 collapse.

Yet despite Starc’s brilliance, Australia couldn’t seize control. Without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, their attack lacked partnership pressure from the other end. Debutant Brendan Doggett impressed, but Scott Boland struggled under England’s aggressive scoring tempo.

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Archer & Carse Turn Up the Heat

If England’s batting was fragile, their bowlers were the exact opposite.

Jofra Archer, back doing what he does best, delivered a fiery spell that sent shivers down Australia’s spine.
Steve Smith received a bruising working-over, struck repeatedly on the hands and elbows, before falling to Brydon Carse for 17. Marnus Labuschagne was bowled for a scratchy 9, his stumps shattered after the ball ricocheted off his elbow.

Debutant Jake Weatherald lasted just two balls before Archer knocked him off his feet with a full, blistering delivery.

England’s quicks maintained searing pace, with Mark Wood touching 94 mph, while Gus Atkinson provided support despite going wicketless.

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Stokes’ Golden Arm Strikes Again

Though he delayed bringing himself on, Stokes made an immediate impact. In just six overs, he removed:

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

It was vintage Stokes—hostile, smart, and ruthless.

The result: Australia crumbled from 69/4 to 123/9, ending the day 49 runs behind England.

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A Surface Full of Bounce, But Not a Minefield

The Perth pitch offered bounce, yes, but it wasn’t a classic demon strip. What made the difference was air speed. England bowled quicker, harder, and more consistently than Australia.

Archer and Carse’s hostility set the tone, Wood’s raw pace added pressure, and Stokes delivered the knockout punch. England’s slip cordon held tight, with Harry Brook particularly sharp at second slip.

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A Day That Sets the Tone for a Fiery Ashes Series

With 19 wickets falling, bruises rising, and tempers flaring, Day 1 of the 2025 Ashes had everything fans hoped for. England may have fallen short with the bat, but their bowlers roared back to seize momentum.

Australia now face the daunting task of rebuilding from a precarious position, while England will look to extend their lead and press home their advantage on Day 2.