### A Chaotic Opening Day in the 2025 Ashes: Stokes and Starc Shine The first day of the 2025 Ashes series between Australia and England at Perth's Optus Stadium was marked by dramatic swings in momentum, with a total of 19 wickets falling. England, after winning the toss and opting to bat, were bowled out for a mere 172 runs, largely due to Mitchell Starc's exceptional bowling performance, where he claimed 7 wickets for 58 runs. In response, England's captain Ben Stokes led a fierce fightback, taking 5 wickets and reducing Australia to 123 for 9 by the end of the day, leaving the hosts trailing by 49 runs at stumps. ### Breakdown of the Day's Events 1. **England's Batting Collapse** - England's innings began poorly, losing their first wicket on the very first ball bowled by Starc, who dismissed Zak Crawley for a duck. - The team struggled throughout, with only Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46) providing any significant resistance. - England was ultimately bowled out for 172 before tea, with Starc's 7-wicket haul being the highlight of the Australian bowling attack [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/australia-england-ashes-first-test-scorecard-ben-stokes-mitchell-starc-b2869785.html]. 2. **Australia's Response** - Australia began their innings but faced immediate pressure from Stokes, who took 5 wickets, including key dismissals of top-order batsmen. - By the end of the day, Australia was precariously placed at 123 for 9, trailing by 49 runs, showcasing a remarkable turnaround from England's earlier collapse [https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12040/13473502/the-ashes-england-bowlers-led-by-ben-stokes-fight-back-after-tourists-skittled-for-172-by-australia-on-day-one-in-perth]. 3. **Key Performers** - **Mitchell Starc**: Achieved a career-best bowling figure of 7 for 58, marking his 17th Test five-wicket haul and becoming the first player to take 7 wickets in a Test innings at Optus Stadium [https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/cricket/mitchell-starc-breaks-mohammed-shamis-7-year-old-record-becomes-first-player-in-history-to-take-7-wickets-in-a-test-innings-at-optus-stadium-in-perth-article-153185125]. - **Ben Stokes**: Captained England and took 5 wickets for 23 runs, becoming the fifth English captain to achieve a five-wicket haul in an Ashes Test in Australia [https://www.republicworld.com/cricket/ben-stokes-joins-elite-ranks-of-england-captains-after-clinical-five-wicket-haul-in-perth-ashes-opener]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Bowling Figures**: - **Mitchell Starc**: 7 wickets for 58 runs in 12.5 overs. - **Ben Stokes**: 5 wickets for 23 runs in 6 overs. - **Batting Highlights**: - England's total: 172 all out. - Top scorers for England: Harry Brook (52), Ollie Pope (46). - Australia at stumps: 123 for 9, trailing by 49 runs. ### Conclusion: A Day of High Drama The opening day of the 2025 Ashes Test was a rollercoaster of emotions, characterized by **England's batting collapse** and a **stunning fightback led by Stokes**. The day ended with Australia in a precarious position, trailing by 49 runs, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of the series. The performances of Starc and Stokes not only highlighted their individual brilliance but also underscored the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the Ashes series. 1. **England's batting woes** led to a low total of 172. 2. **Starc's exceptional bowling** dismantled the English lineup. 3. **Stokes' five-wicket haul** gave England a fighting chance at stumps. The stage is set for an exciting second day as both teams vie for dominance in this historic series [https://www.skysports.com/cricket/news/12040/13473559/the-ashes-england-and-australia-play-out-dizzying-opening-day-in-perth-as-action-lives-up-to-the-pre-series-hype].