In scenes rarely witnessed in the storied history of the Ashes, 19 wickets tumbled on a breathtaking opening day of the first Test in Perth on Friday, with both England and Australia enduring batting collapses under relentless pace and nerve-shredding pressure.

England, sent in to bat by skipper Ben Stokes after winning the toss, were blown away for 172 by a rampaging Mitchell Starc, whose devastating 7-58 tore the visitors apart and handed Australia early control.

Yet, by stumps, fortunes had flipped dramatically again, as England’s own fast-bowling unit—led masterfully by Stokes himself—reduced the hosts to 123-9, still trailing by 49 runs.

It was a day that swung wildly, felt utterly chaotic, and will likely be remembered among the most dramatic opening days in Ashes history.

Harry

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