Ashes 2025 Live: Mitchell Starc Destroys England Top Order in Perth Test Opener
Ashes 2025 First Test Day 1 Live: Mitchell Starc stuns England with three early wickets as the visitors stumble to 50/3 at Optus Stadium, Perth. Follow key moments and live match updates.
Mitchell Starc celebrates after dismissing Ben Duckett during Day 1 of the Ashes 2025 First Test at Optus Stadium, Perth.
Batting first after winning the toss, England's decision had quickly backfired on the very first day of the Ashes 2025 opener at Optus Stadium, where Australia's Mitchell Starc had ripped through the top order, leaving the visitors floundering.
After the first drinks break, England were at 50/3 after 11 overs with Ollie Pope (22 not out) and Harry Brook (3 not out) fighting together for a recovery.
Starc's Firey Opening Spell
Australia went into the first Test without the duo of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, but Mitchell Starc made sure that the hosts did not rue the absence of their principal fast bowlers. With a fearsome firing burst, the left-arm pacer took the next three wickets for only 10 runs in just five overs.
Wickets Fell Rapidly:
Zak Crawley c Khawaja b Starc 0 – England’s opener lasted just a few deliveries before edging a loose drive to slip.
Ben Duckett LBW Starc 21 – A classic full, straight Starc delivery trapped Duckett plumb in front.
Joe Root c Labuschagne b Starc 0 – Root fell for a duck as Starc found lift and movement to induce a leading edge.
England slumped to 39/3, with Starc dismantling the early Bazball confidence.
Pope and Brook Look to Stabilise
Ollie Pope played some controlled strokes, including an uppercut for four, showcasing calm amid chaos. Debutant bowler Brendan Doggett troubled him with movement off the pitch, almost brushing the bails with a delivery that beat his defence.
Brook, meanwhile, showed intent early, using his footwork to manufacture room and carve three runs through the covers.
Australia’s Bowling Changes and Early Impressions
Scott Boland, who shared the new ball, struggled initially with his line and length, prompting an early change as Doggett replaced him. The debutant made an instant impact with probing deliveries.
The conditions at Perth offered:
True bounce
Minimal lateral movement
A surface encouraging disciplined bowling rather than excessive swing
Despite favourable batting conditions, England’s top-order decisions and Starc’s precision tilted the match sharply in Australia’s favour.
Match Summary (So Far)
England: 50/3 (11 overs)
Pope 22, Brook 3**
Starc 3/10
Australia are yet to bat.
