England suffered a major setback in the Perth Test after being bowled out for just 172 runs on the opening day. Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc produced one of his finest spells in Ashes history, taking 7 wickets and completing his landmark of 100 wickets in the Ashes series. His aggressive and accurate bowling left the English batting lineup struggling throughout the innings.
England began their innings cautiously, but once the first wicket fell, the Australian pace attack quickly took control. Starc used the pace and bounce of the Perth pitch perfectly, troubling the batters with swinging yorkers and sharp short deliveries. He removed key players like Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jonny Bairstow in quick succession, putting England under constant pressure.
Harry Brook was the only major positive for England. He played a determined innings, battling the conditions and the Australian bowlers to score a fighting half-century. Brook’s 50 came at a crucial time when wickets were falling regularly at the other end. His shot selection and temperament showed maturity, but he lacked support from fellow batters. Eventually, he too was dismissed by Starc, ending England’s hopes of reaching a respectable total.
The remaining English batters offered little resistance. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon supported Starc well by keeping tight lines, allowing the pressure to build from both ends. England were finally bowled out for 172, a total that may prove too small on a fast and bouncy Australian pitch.
Australia, in reply, started confidently with openers focused on building a strong platform. With form and momentum on their side, the hosts looked determined to take control of the Test early and push England into a defensive position.
This strong performance from Starc once again reminds everyone why he is one of the most dangerous left-arm fast bowlers in modern cricket. Completing 100 Ashes wickets is a remarkable achievement and places him among the greatest bowlers in the history of the iconic rivalry.
