Veteran quick Mitchell Starc was in devastating form, taking a career-best 7-58. But by the close, Ben Stokes was bouncing through Australian batters — and then the celebrations of his England team-mates — to bag 5-23 himself to ensure the visitors sleep well ahead of tomorrow’s second day, when Australia will resume on 123 for nine.

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc stood tall on Friday with career-best bowling figures of seven for 58 to help skittle England for 172 before tea on a frenetic first day of the Ashes opener in Perth,

The Ashes is a storied rivalry between Australia and England that has captivated cricket fans since 1882. Born from a mock newspaper obituary, the series is symbolized by a tiny urn containing —

You couldn’t ask for anything much bigger in Test cricket than the 2025–26 Ashes. Australia vs England is the most historic rivalry in sport, and we could be about to get a series of a lifetime akin to those of 2005 or 2023 as Ben Stokes’ side face Australia.

Alastair Eykyn and Rob Hatch are better known for commentating on rugby and cycling but are helming coverage of the Ashes this winter