Ashes 2025: Mitchell Starc Tears Through England with Seven-Wicket Haul After Special 100
Mitchell Starc steals the show with 7 wickets as England collapses for 172 in Day 1 of the Ashes 2025 1st Test in Perth. Starc’s fiery spell puts Australia in control.
Mitchell Starc celebrates after claiming seven wickets on Day 1 of the 1st Ashes Test as England collapses for 172 in Perth.
In the very first Test of the Ashes series, Australia had an incredible beginning since the left-handed pace bowler Mitchell Starc destroyed the whole England's batting order. On the first day at Optus Stadium, Starc took the unbelievable 7 wickets for 58 runs and also made sure the total of England's score was only 172 runs off the 32.5 overs they batted.
England, winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled against Starc’s pace and bounce on a lively Perth pitch. Despite half-centuries from Harry Brook and 30+ scores from Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith, the visitors collapsed, losing their last five wickets for just 12 runs—a humbling start to Bazball’s debut in Australia.
Starc’s Dominant Spell
Stepping up with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injuries, the 35-year-old spearhead showcased his class. Starc claimed five wickets in the first session alone, including early strikes against England openers Zak Crawley (0) and Ben Duckett (21).
The highlight came when Starc dismissed England’s all-time leading run-scorer, Joe Root, for a duck. Root, struggling Down Under, now averages just 34.30 across 15 Tests in Australia, far below his career average of 51.10.
Starc’s fiery spell electrified the home crowd, setting Australia up for a commanding position in the series opener.
Day 1 Quick Stats
England 1st Innings: 172 all out (32.5 overs)
Mitchell Starc: 7/58
Top England Scorers: Harry Brook 54, Ollie Pope 33, Jamie Smith 31
With the Australian pace spearhead in red-hot form, England will need resilience on Day 2 to avoid a heavy deficit in Perth.
