England captain Ben Stokes’s decision to bat backfired early as Australia’s star pacer Mitchell Starc ripped through the top order. Rory Burns and Ben Duckett were dismissed cheaply, while Joe Root fell without scoring, caught in slips by Marnus Labuschagne. England were soon reeling under pressure at 45 for 3 within the first hour of play.
Harry Brook and Ollie Pope steady briefly
Vice-captain Harry Brook and Ollie Pope offered some fight with a fourth-wicket stand worth 55 runs. Pope looked solid with an attacking 46 before Cameron Green trapped him LBW, ending England’s only notable partnership of the innings. Brook went on to score a gritty 52 before debutant Xavier Doggett dismissed him, caught behind by Alex Carey.
After lunch, the collapse resumed as Ben Stokes (6) was bowled by Starc, who continued his devastating spell. Gus Atkinson (1), Jamie Smith (33), and Mark Wood (0) were all dismissed in quick succession as England folded for 172 inside two sessions. Apart from Starc’s seven wickets, Doggett picked up two, and Green claimed one.
Starc completes 100 wickets in Ashes
The day was extra special for Starc, who reached a historic milestone by completing 100 wickets in Ashes Tests. Playing his 23rd Ashes match, Starc became the 20th bowler overall and the 13th Australian to achieve this feat, joining the elite company of legendary Aussie pacers.
At Tea, Australia reached 15 for no loss, trailing England by 157 runs. With Starc’s heroics setting the tone, the hosts now hold a commanding position as they look to build a strong first-innings lead on Day 2 of the Perth Test.
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