The highly anticipated Ashes 2025 series kicked off with a gripping day of Test cricket at the Perth Stadium, where Australia, powered by a resilient unbeaten eighty-five from Steve Smith, reached 221 for 4 at stumps on Day 1 after being asked to bat first by England captain Ben Stokes.
England's New Ball Blitz
The morning session belonged decisively to the English bowlers, who made excellent use of the conditions. Debutant fast bowler Brendan Doggett, brought into the side for the injured Josh Hazlewood, made an immediate impact. He claimed the prized wicket of Australian opener Usman Khawaja early, setting the tone for England. The visitors continued to apply pressure, and veteran seamer Stuart Broad, in what is likely his final Ashes series, removed the dangerous Marnus Labuschagne to leave the hosts reeling.
The Australian top order struggled to build substantial partnerships against a disciplined English attack. The pressure told as wickets fell at regular intervals, putting Australia on the back foot in the first session of the series.
The Smith and Head Counter-Attack
With the scoreboard reading a precarious 98 for 3, the experienced pair of Steve Smith and Travis Head came together to stage a crucial recovery. They weathered the storm in the post-lunch session and began to counter-attack, shifting the momentum back towards Australia.
Their partnership was blossoming and had taken Australia past the 150-run mark when part-time bowler Joe Root provided a vital breakthrough for England. Against the run of play, Root managed to dismiss the aggressive Travis Head, breaking a dangerous 76-run stand that had steadied the Australian innings.
An Unbroken Partnership Sees Australia Through
The dismissal of Head brought Cameron Green to the crease, and alongside the immovable Steve Smith, he ensured there were no further setbacks for the home side. Smith, batting on 85 not out, displayed his characteristic grit and skill, navigating the second new ball effectively. Cameron Green provided solid support, finishing the day unbeaten on 22.
Their unbroken partnership has taken the score to 221 for 4, giving Australia a solid platform to build a substantial first-innings total on the second day. The match is intriguingly poised, with both teams having enjoyed periods of dominance on the first day.
What Lies Ahead on Day 2
All eyes will be on Steve Smith as he resumes his innings just fifteen runs short of a well-deserved century. How quickly Australia can add runs with the lower order, and how effectively England's bowlers can strike with the relatively new ball, will be crucial in determining the course of this first Test. The opening day in Perth has set the stage for a classic, hard-fought Ashes battle.
