Mitchell Starc produced a sensational new-ball burst on Day 1 of the first Ashes Test in Perth, ripping through England’s top order and completing a major career milestone — 100 wickets in Ashes cricket. England, who won the toss and elected to bat first, were left reeling at 39/3 in 8.5 overs as Starc dismantled their top order with pace, swing and accuracy.
Starc struck in his very first over when he removed Zak Crawley for 0. The England opener pushed at a back-of-a-length delivery outside off at 143.6 kph, only to edge it to Usman Khawaja at slip — the first strike of the Ashes and Starc’s march towards his milestone.
His next breakthrough came through sheer skill, trapping Ben Duckett lbw for 21. The left-armer swung one sharply into the pads, beating the inside edge. DRS confirmed three reds, leaving Duckett out and England two down early, with Starc on fire.
The landmark moment arrived when Joe Root fell for 0, edging to Marnus Labuschagne at second slip as Starc completed his 100th Ashes wicket, becoming one of the few Australian fast-bowling greats to reach the milestone. Root’s dismissal marked Starc’s third wicket of the morning, leaving England in deep trouble within the first half-hour.
At the time of the milestone wicket, England were 39/3, with Ollie Pope on 18* trying to steady the innings. Starc’s figures read an exceptional 4.5 overs, 2 maidens, 10 runs, 3 wickets. Scott Boland bowled the other end but remained wicketless.
Earlier Mitchell Starc wickets in the innings
1. Zak Crawley – c Khawaja b Starc (0 off 6)
Back of a length, angled across and seamed away. Thick outside edge. Khawaja juggled but held on.
2. Ben Duckett – lbw b Starc (21 off 20)
Fuller, swinging in. Duckett caught on the crease. DRS revealed three reds.
3. Joe Root – c Labuschagne b Starc (0 off 7)
Back of a length at 144.8 kph, Root tried to rise on his toes and punch it, only to edge behind. This wicket completed Starc’s 100 Ashes wickets.
Match Info
Match: Australia vs England, 1st Test, The Ashes 2025–26
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Date & Time: Today, 10:20 AM LOCAL
Toss: England won the toss and opted to bat
Australia XI:
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett
England XI:
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood
