The Ashes Day 1 Recap England Bowlers Rally as Ben Stokes Leads Fightback After Australia Dismisses Tourists for 172 in Perth
After a dramatic opening day of the Ashes series in Perth, England’s bowlers fought back valiantly despite the team being dismissed for just 172 runs. This day was marked by a remarkable performance from Ben Stokes, who claimed five wickets and led the bowling revival after Mitchell Starc’s exceptional spell for Australia.
The Match Summary: England’s Struggles and Australia’s Response
England’s innings crumbled in 32.5 overs, with Harry Brook the only batsman to score over fifty, managing 52 runs. Starc was the standout performer for Australia, finishing with impressive figures of 7 for 58. England’s total of 172 was a stark reminder of their struggles, echoing their poor start in the previous Ashes series in 2021.
Key Performances
- Ben Stokes: 5 wickets for 23 runs
- Mitchell Starc: 7 wickets for 58 runs
- Harry Brook: 52 runs off 61 balls
England’s Batting Collapse
Starting their innings after winning the toss, England faced early setbacks. They lost key players quickly, with captain Joe Root out for a duck, and Ben Duckett managing only 21 runs. Starc’s excellence was complemented by the efforts of Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, who both contributed to the early dismissals of Australian batsmen.
Aussie’s Top Order Woes
In response, Australia faced a middle-order collapse. They lost their top four batsmen for just 31 runs, largely due to the pressure applied by England’s pace attack. Stokes played a pivotal role during this phase, claiming crucial wickets that kept Australia reeling at 123 for 9.
Upcoming Matches in the Series
The two teams are set to continue competing in the Ashes series with multiple Test matches scheduled:
| Test Match | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| First Test | November 21 – November 25 | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| Second Test (day/night) | December 4 – December 8 | The Gabba, Brisbane |
| Third Test | December 17 – December 21 | Adelaide Oval |
| Fourth Test | December 25 – December 29 | Melbourne Cricket Ground |
| Fifth Test | January 4 – January 8 | Sydney Cricket Ground |
As the series progresses, England needs to find solutions to their batting woes while sustaining the momentum generated by their bowlers. Stokes’ return to form after injury could be crucial as they aim for success in this challenging away series.
