Ashes 2025 Perth Opener Sees 19 Wickets on Chaotic First Day

The 2025-26 Ashes series began with historic chaos at Perth Stadium. A staggering 19 wickets fell on the opening day, a record not seen in an Ashes Test since 1909. England, bowled out for 172, fought back to leave Australia reeling at 123-9 by stumps.

Ben Stokes produced a breathtaking bowling spell to lead England’s dramatic fightback. The day’s events completely upended conventional Test match expectations, setting up a potentially short and explosive contest.

England’s Aggressive Batting and Swift Collapse

England won the toss and chose to bat first. Their innings was a whirlwind of aggressive strokeplay and regular wickets. They were dismissed for 172 in just 32.5 overs.

This gave them a remarkable run rate of 5.23. It was the third-fastest Ashes innings ever for a team bowled out.

Mitchell Starc was the chief destroyer for Australia. He claimed seven wickets, tearing through England’s top order. Only Ollie Pope and Harry Brook offered significant resistance with scores of 46 and 52.

According to Reuters, the innings exemplified England’s high-risk “Bazball” philosophy. The approach yielded quick runs but left them with a below-par total on a lively pitch.

Stokes Leads Fierce England Bowling Response

England’s seamers responded with immediate ferocity. Ben Stokes ignited the comeback with a devastating spell of fast bowling. He took five wickets in just six overs.

This was his first five-wicket haul against Australia since 2015. Stokes dismissed key batsmen like Travis Head and Cameron Green in quick succession.

Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse provided crucial support. Archer removed Marnus Labuschagne, while Carse claimed the important wicket of Steve Smith. Australia’s batting lineup had no answer for the sustained pressure.

Wickets continued to tumble after the tea break. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey offered some late resistance before falling to Stokes. The Australian tail failed to close the gap significantly.

A New Benchmark for Ashes Drama

The day’s events immediately entered Ashes folklore. The 19-wicket tally is the highest for an opening day in the modern era. It recalled a bygone age of unpredictable pitch conditions and dramatic collapses.

Analysts noted the Perth pitch offered consistent bounce and pace. It rewarded disciplined bowling but punished poor shot selection. Both teams’ batters struggled to adapt to the conditions.

The match is now perfectly poised for a rapid conclusion. England will aim to secure a first-innings lead and build pressure. Australia will hope their final-wicket pair can narrow the deficit and inspire a second-innings revival.

This Ashes 2025 Perth opener has already guaranteed its place in cricket history. The sheer volume of wickets on day one sets the stage for a thrilling, truncated Test match where every session will be critical.

Thought you’d like to know

How many wickets fell on the first day of the Ashes 2025 Perth Test?

A total of 19 wickets fell on the opening day. This is the most wickets on day one of an Ashes Test since 1909, making it a historic event in the rivalry’s long history.

Who took the most wickets for England?

Ben Stokes was England’s standout bowler. He took five wickets in a single spell, marking his first five-wicket haul against Australia in a decade.

What was England’s first innings total?

England were bowled out for 172 in their first innings. Despite the low total, they scored at a very rapid rate of 5.23 runs per over.

How did Mitchell Starc perform?

Mitchell Starc was exceptional for Australia. He took seven wickets in England’s innings, single-handedly dismantling their batting lineup.

What is the current match situation?

Australia ended day one at 123 for 9. They trail England’s first innings total by 49 runs with just one wicket remaining.

Why was the first day so chaotic?

The pitch conditions in Perth offered significant help to fast bowlers. Combined with aggressive batting from both sides, this led to the constant fall of wickets throughout the day.