Stokes rips through Aussies after Starc seven: 1st Test, Day 1 (Perth)

Skipper Ben Stokes led the English pace attack as the opening salvos in the 2025 Ashes in Perth delivered a dramatic, bowler-dominated contest with the visitors in command at stumps.

England, after choosing to bat first, were skittled for 172 under relentless pressure from Mitchell Starc who took a career best seven wicket haul.

But the match flipped again when England roared back with the ball, reducing Australia to 123/9 by stumps, with Stokes claiming a superb five-wicket haul.

With both sides suffering collapses on a lively pitch and debutants Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald featuring for Australia, the opening day ended with England narrowly on top heading into Day 2.

Australia 123 for 9 (Carey 26, Stokes 5-23, Archer 2-11, Carse 2-45) trail England 172 (Brook 52, Pope 46, Smith 33, Starc 7-58, Doggett 2-27) by 49 runs

Nov 2025