The much-anticipated opening match of the Ashes Series between Australia and England is unfolding at Perth's iconic stadium. Bowlers have dominated the scene, leading to a series of unexpected records. Neither team managed to reach 200 in their opening innings. Australia, the host nation, crumbled to a mere 132, marking their second-lowest score on home soil in Ashes history. Previously, during the 2010/11 Boxing Day Test, they had only managed a score of 98 runs.
England, despite a valiant effort, was toppled at 172 runs in their first innings. The combined first innings overs of both teams amounted to just 78.1, the second shortest in Ashes history since the 1902 Melbourne Test, which was completed in 47.5 overs.
Ben Stokes made history with his outstanding performance. Taking 5/23, he dismantled the Australian lineup and etched his name with the best bowling figures by an English captain on Australian soil in Ashes lore. Previously, this record was held by Gubby Allen (5/36 in 1936).
Top England Captain Figures (Ashes, Australia)
* 5/23 – Ben Stokes, Perth 2025 * 5/36 – Gubby Allen, Brisbane 1936 * 5/46 – Johnny Douglas, Melbourne 1912 * 5/49 – Freddie Brown, Melbourne 1951 * 5/66 – Bob Willis, Brisbane 1982
It's the first time since the 1990/91 series that both teams scored under 200 in their first innings of an Ashes Test in Australia. Back then, at the Gabba, England had scored 194 and Australia 152.
The state of the match
England, taking the crease initially, managed just 172 runs. Mitchell Starc's bowling was instrumental, claiming seven wickets. However, when England took the field, they were restricted to 132 runs. Although Stokes couldn't excel with the bat, his bowling was spectacular as he secured five wickets for just 23 runs. Additionally, Carse chipped in with three wickets.
