Starc's Fiery Spell Rattles England's Batting Lineup
The opening day of the highly anticipated Ashes Test in Perth was a rollercoaster, defined by two colossal individual performances. After England won the toss and opted to bat first, Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc produced a devastating spell of fast bowling. He delivered his career-best figures of 7 for 58, single-handedly tearing through the English batting order.
The visitors, who had hoped to build a solid foundation, were instead skittled out for a modest total of 172 in their first innings. Starc's accuracy, pace, and movement proved too much for the top order, leaving England in a precarious position early in the match.
Ben Stokes Rallies England with Gritty Counter-Attack
Just as Australia looked set to seize complete control, Ben Stokes stepped up to lead a characteristic English fightback. Demonstrating the resilience and aggressive intent he is famous for, Stokes took the attack to the Australian bowlers.
His innings provided a much-needed spark for the visitors, shifting the momentum and ensuring that England finished the day with a fighting chance. While the damage from Starc's spell was severe, Stokes' efforts in the latter part of the day ensured the match remained finely balanced.
Day 1 Sets Stage for Epic Ashes Battle
The events of November 21, 2025, have set the stage for a classic Ashes confrontation. The day belonged to two titans of the game: Mitchell Starc for his destructive bowling and Ben Stokes for his defiant batting.
This seesaw battle has left fans on the edge of their seats, promising more high-octane drama as the Test match in Perth progresses. The fight for the iconic urn is well and truly on.
