In a breathtaking display of fast bowling, England sensationally seized control on a chaotic and electrifying opening day of the Ashes in Perth, skittling Australia for 123 after being bowled out themselves for a modest 172.
On a fiery pitch, the day defied convention. England, choosing to bat first, saw their much-vaunted ‘Bazball’ approach backfire as Mitchell Starc produced a magnificent spell of 7-58, including a duck for Zak Crawley from the sixth ball of the series. Despite a fighting 52 from Harry Brook and 46 from Ollie Pope, the tourists collapsed, losing their last five wickets for just 12 runs.
The response from England’s five-man pace attack was nothing short of ferocious. Bowling at searing speeds—the fastest recorded by an England side in 18 years—they ripped through the Australian lineup. Jofra Archer was menacing, while Ben Stokes, playing his first Test since July, stepped up as the fifth seamer to devastating effect. The captain snuffed out any hope of an Australian fightback, claiming his second five-wicket haul in as many Tests and finishing with remarkable figures of 5-23.
At the close of a breathless day that saw 19 wickets fall, England hold a 49-run lead with one Australian wicket remaining, putting them in a golden position to take a 1-0 series lead.
By James Kisoo
