A Record-breaking First Day In The Ashes: 19 Wickets Fall

Perth: Something that had never happened in the decades-long history of the Ashes Test series occurred on Friday at Perth Stadium. In front of 51,531 spectators and millions of TV viewers, a remarkable 19 wickets fell on the very first day of the series. England were bowled out for 172, after which Australia collapsed to 123/9, leaving Ben Stokes’ England ahead by 49 runs.

All 19 wickets taken by pace bowlers; Starc completes 100 Ashes wickets

This was the first time in Ashes history that 19 wickets fell on the opening day of a Test. The previous record was 18 wickets, which happened in 1888 in Sydney during a one-off Test between Australia and England. Again in 1896 at Lord’s, 18 wickets fell on the first day of a three-match series.

On Friday, all 19 wickets were taken by pace bowlers. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc completed 100 wickets in the Ashes.

Starc’s career-best seven-wicket haul

In the first Test of the five-match series, England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat, but his decision proved wrong from the first over itself. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc struck in his very first over, dismissing Zak Crawley (0) on the sixth ball.

During the innings, Ollie Pope (46), Harry Brook (52) and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith (33) tried to show some resistance, but none could overcome Starc’s dominance. Starc took 7 for 58, the best bowling performance of his Test career in an innings. His previous best was 6 for 9 against West Indies in July 2025.

England’s remaining wickets were taken by 31-year-old debutant fast bowler Brendan Doggett (2 wickets) and Cameron Green (1 wicket). Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon went wicketless. England were bowled out for 172 in 32.5 overs.

Stokes takes 5 for 23

Failing to reach even 200, England might have seemed in trouble, and the Australians may have expected to take a strong lead. However, Australia fared even worse. They lost nine wickets for 123.

Australia lost their first wicket on the second ball of the innings. By stumps, having lost 9 wickets for 123 in 39 overs, the hosts were in deep trouble.

Five of those wickets were taken by captain Ben Stokes, who brought Australia to their knees. Jofra Archer struck in the opening over, trapping 31-year-old new opener Jake Weatherald (0) lbw. In the 15th over, Archer also bowled Marnus Labuschagne (9).

Steve Smith (17) and Usman Khawaja (2) were dismissed by fast bowler Brydon Carse, but the remaining five wickets were claimed by Ben Stokes, sending shockwaves through the Australian camp. Stokes dismissed Travis Head (21), Cameron Green (24), Mitchell Starc (12), Alex Carey (26) and Scott Boland (0).

No Australian batter reached 30; Alex Carey’s 26 was the team’s highest score.