Mitchell Starc has always been one of the best pacers going around in the world and now he has become the best left-arm pacer in Test history. The Aussie surpassed Pakistan great Wasim Akram for most Test wickets by a left-arm pacer on the opening day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. Starc now has 415 Test wickets after claiming three-for in England's first innings on Thursday (Dec 4) at the Gabba, one more than Akram's 414 and 100+ more than next Aussie best Mitchell Johnson's 313. Australia, already leading five-Test series 1-0, had the upper hand after first two session of the second Test.<h2>Starc strikes in first over again</h2>The leftie started in his signature style, taking a wicket in the first over of the Test for the 26th time in his career after England won the toss and elected to bat first. He backed up the first wicket with another one in his next over by uprooting Ollie Pope's stumps.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unluckiest-centurion-gaikwad-maiden-odi-century-comes-in-highest-chase-against-india-again-1764835074807">Unluckiest centurion? Gaikwad maiden ODI century comes in highest chase against India - again</a>At 5/2, England were staring at another poor first-inning total when Zak Crawley and Joe Root partnered up for 117-run partnership for the third wicket. Michael Neser, who replaced veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the day-night Test, removed Crawley for 76 to break the partnership.Another 54-run partnership followed between Harry Brook (31) and Root before Starc came back to remove the former and go past Akram. After two sessions on day 1, England were 196/4 with Root, still searching for his maiden Test ton in Australia, batting at 68 along with skipper Ben Stokes (14).<h2>Left-arm pacers with most Test wickets</h2><ul><li>Mitchell Starc (Australia) - 415 and counting</li><li>Wasim Akram (Pakistan) - 414</li><li>Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) - 355</li><li>Trent Boult (New Zealand) - 317</li><li>Mitchell Johnson (Australia) - 313</li></ul>

Starc now has 415 Test wickets after claiming three-for in England's first innings on Thursday (Dec 4) at the Gabba, one more than Akram's 414 and 100+ more than next Aussie best Mitchell Johnson's 313. 

Mitchell Starc has always been one of the best pacers going around in the world and now he has become the best left-arm pacer in Test history. The Aussie surpassed Pakistan great Wasim Akram for most Test wickets by a left-arm pacer on the opening day of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. Starc now has 415 Test wickets after claiming three-for in England's first innings on Thursday (Dec 4) at the Gabba, one more than Akram's 414 and 100+ more than next Aussie best Mitchell Johnson's 313. Australia, already leading five-Test series 1-0, had the upper hand after first two session of the second Test. Starc strikes in first over again The leftie started in his signature style, taking a wicket in the first over of the Test for the 26th time in his career after England won the toss and elected to bat first. He backed up the first wicket with another one in his next over by uprooting Ollie Pope's stumps. Also Read - Unluckiest centurion? Gaikwad maiden ODI century comes in highest chase against India - again At 5/2, England were staring at another poor first-inning total when Zak Crawley and Joe Root partnered up for 117-run partnership for the third wicket. Michael Neser, who replaced veteran spinner Nathan Lyon for the day-night Test, removed Crawley for 76 to break the partnership. Another 54-run partnership followed between Harry Brook (31) and Root before Starc came back to remove the former and go past Akram. After two sessions on day 1, England were 196/4 with Root, still searching for his maiden Test ton in Australia, batting at 68 along with skipper Ben Stokes (14). Left-arm pacers with most Test wickets Mitchell Starc (Australia) - 415 and counting Wasim Akram (Pakistan) - 414 Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) - 355 Trent Boult (New Zealand) - 317 Mitchell Johnson (Australia) - 313

Starc now has 415 Test wickets after claiming three-for in England's first innings on Thursday (Dec 4) at the Gabba, one more than Akram's 414 and 100+ more than next Aussie best Mitchell Johnson's 313.&nbsp;

Ashes 2025-26: Better than Wasim Akram! Starc is now BEST left-arm pacer in Test cricket

England were forced to make a change in their playing XI for second Ashes Test after pacer Mark Wood was ruled out. The second Test, which starts Thursday (Dec 4) in Brisbane, will be a day-night match to be played with a pink ball. England, to replace Wood for the Test, selected Will Jacks - a spin all-rounder. Jacks had last played three years ago yet was preferred over Shoaib Bashir, who has been the 12th man in both, Perth and Brisbane Test squad. Speaking on Jacks' selection, skipper Ben Stokes called it 'tactical.'<h2>Stokes on not selecting Bashir for Brisbane Test</h2>The idea behind not picking up Bashir could be Test being played by pink ball where spinners have played historically a lesser role. Stokes also said that if they were to select a proper spinner then England would have gone with Bashir. Jacks' ability with the bat lower down the order also played part, noted Stokes.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-odi-virat-kohli-slams-back-to-back-tons-against-south-africa-internet-blown-away-1764762221590">King Kohli slams back-to-back tons against South Africa; internet blown away</a>"We tried to look at how we thought spin was going to be used, and there was a bit of a tactical element to it," the England skipper said as reported by ESPNCricinfo. "Obviously Jacksy's ability with the bat, to have that down the order for us is useful as well. [But] if it ever comes down to picking our best, number one spinner, selection would go the other way."<h2>Australia dealing with cautioned optimism about Cummins</h2>The hosts Australia, who are 1-0 up in the five-Test Ashes after winning the first Test, are cautiously hopeful of skipper Pat Cummins making a long-awaited return. Earlier, Cummins was ruled out of the second Test as well after missing the first one as he continues rehabilitation for the back injury. In case Cummins plays, spinner Nathan Lyon, who missed Australia's last pink-ball Test in Jamaica as well, is most likely to be left out of the playing XI.

The idea behind not picking up Bashir could be Test being played by pink ball where spinners have played historically a lesser role. Stokes also said that if they were to select a proper spinner then England would have gone with Bashir.

England were forced to make a change in their playing XI for second Ashes Test after pacer Mark Wood was ruled out. The second Test, which starts Thursday (Dec 4) in Brisbane, will be a day-night match to be played with a pink ball. England, to replace Wood for the Test, selected Will Jacks - a spin all-rounder. Jacks had last played three years ago yet was preferred over Shoaib Bashir, who has been the 12th man in both, Perth and Brisbane Test squad. Speaking on Jacks' selection, skipper Ben Stokes called it 'tactical.' Stokes on not selecting Bashir for Brisbane Test The idea behind not picking up Bashir could be Test being played by pink ball where spinners have played historically a lesser role. Stokes also said that if they were to select a proper spinner then England would have gone with Bashir. Jacks' ability with the bat lower down the order also played part, noted Stokes. Also Read - King Kohli slams back-to-back tons against South Africa; internet blown away "We tried to look at how we thought spin was going to be used, and there was a bit of a tactical element to it," the England skipper said as reported by ESPNCricinfo. "Obviously Jacksy's ability with the bat, to have that down the order for us is useful as well. [But] if it ever comes down to picking our best, number one spinner, selection would go the other way." Australia dealing with cautioned optimism about Cummins The hosts Australia, who are 1-0 up in the five-Test Ashes after winning the first Test, are cautiously hopeful of skipper Pat Cummins making a long-awaited return. Earlier, Cummins was ruled out of the second Test as well after missing the first one as he continues rehabilitation for the back injury. In case Cummins plays, spinner Nathan Lyon, who missed Australia's last pink-ball Test in Jamaica as well, is most likely to be left out of the playing XI.

The idea behind not picking up Bashir could be Test being played by pink ball where spinners have played historically a lesser role. Stokes also said that if they were to select a proper spinner then England would have gone with Bashir.

Ashes 2025-26: 'If we wanted out best spinner then Bashir would have played,' says Stokes on picking Will Jacks for Brisbane Test

Australia continue to sweat over Test captain Pat Cummins’ fitness ahead of the second Ashes Test starting Thursday (Dec 4) at the Gabba in Brisbane. While England named their starting XI for the Pink-Ball Test, making one change to their line-up, the hosts will take a final call on theirs by Wednesday afternoon following pitch inspection. The stand-in captain, Steve Smith, did not name the side for the second game during the pre-game presser, saying the selectors will take the call later in the day, keeping the doors open for Cummins to make a shock return to the Test team.&nbsp;Though they have to make a forced change to their winning XI, with opener Usman Khawaja getting ruled out with a back spasm, Australia could bring in Cummins for specialist spinner Nathan Lyon for this lone Day/Night Test this Ashes.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-is-the-best-country-england-captain-ben-stokes-on-enjoying-life-down-under-amid-crushing-ashes-start-1764734758202">‘Australia is the best country…,’ Stokes on enjoying life Down Under amid crushing Ashes start</a> &nbsp;"A whole heap of things I think are on the table," Smith said on the sidelines of the second Test. "We'll wait and see what the wicket looks like, and from there we'll determine a playing XI." &nbsp;Speaking on Cummins’ chances of making a comeback to the side despite not being named in the final 14 for this Test, Smith said he has bowled impressively in the nets, and that the ball is in the selectors’ court to decide on his inclusion. &nbsp;"He looks pretty good to me the way he's bowled in the nets," Smith said of Cummins’ fitness and chances of him breaking into the playing XI. "Obviously, games are a different intensity, for sure, but he's tracking really nicely. He knows his body well, and yeah, we'll wait and see." &nbsp;Although the seasoned seamer could also replace newbie Brendan Doggett in the XI, the chances of that happening are bleak, given Cummins hasn’t played any competitive cricket since July this year, and the selectors could be careful in managing his workload. So, having an all-pace attack, like how England had in the series opener, looks likely to happen should he be declared fit and ready.&nbsp; &nbsp;Smith also sounded unsure about Lyon’s place in the side for the second game, considering he missed out on Australia’s last pink-ball Test in the Caribbean.&nbsp; &nbsp;"I'm not sure," Smith said. "We'll look at the surface, as I said, and we'll sum things up from there. And I think here's a place where Nathan's done really well in the past. He's a quality bowler. But we'll weigh up the options, and we'll see how we go." &nbsp;Meanwhile, Australia lead this five-match series (1-0), having won the Perth Test inside two days.&nbsp;

While Australia is yet to name the playing XI for the second Ashes Test, the visitors named theirs on Tuesday (Dec 2), bringing in Will Jacks for Mark Wood.

Australia continue to sweat over Test captain Pat Cummins’ fitness ahead of the second Ashes Test starting Thursday (Dec 4) at the Gabba in Brisbane. While England named their starting XI for the Pink-Ball Test, making one change to their line-up, the hosts will take a final call on theirs by Wednesday afternoon following pitch inspection. The stand-in captain, Steve Smith, did not name the side for the second game during the pre-game presser, saying the selectors will take the call later in the day, keeping the doors open for Cummins to make a shock return to the Test team. Though they have to make a forced change to their winning XI, with opener Usman Khawaja getting ruled out with a back spasm, Australia could bring in Cummins for specialist spinner Nathan Lyon for this lone Day/Night Test this Ashes. Also read | ‘Australia is the best country…,’ Stokes on enjoying life Down Under amid crushing Ashes start "A whole heap of things I think are on the table," Smith said on the sidelines of the second Test. "We'll wait and see what the wicket looks like, and from there we'll determine a playing XI." Speaking on Cummins’ chances of making a comeback to the side despite not being named in the final 14 for this Test, Smith said he has bowled impressively in the nets, and that the ball is in the selectors’ court to decide on his inclusion. "He looks pretty good to me the way he's bowled in the nets," Smith said of Cummins’ fitness and chances of him breaking into the playing XI. "Obviously, games are a different intensity, for sure, but he's tracking really nicely. He knows his body well, and yeah, we'll wait and see." Although the seasoned seamer could also replace newbie Brendan Doggett in the XI, the chances of that happening are bleak, given Cummins hasn’t played any competitive cricket since July this year, and the selectors could be careful in managing his workload. So, having an all-pace attack, like how England had in the series opener, looks likely to happen should he be declared fit and ready. Smith also sounded unsure about Lyon’s place in the side for the second game, considering he missed out on Australia’s last pink-ball Test in the Caribbean. "I'm not sure," Smith said. "We'll look at the surface, as I said, and we'll sum things up from there. And I think here's a place where Nathan's done really well in the past. He's a quality bowler. But we'll weigh up the options, and we'll see how we go." Meanwhile, Australia lead this five-match series (1-0), having won the Perth Test inside two days.

While Australia is yet to name the playing XI for the second Ashes Test, the visitors named theirs on Tuesday (Dec 2), bringing in Will Jacks for Mark Wood.

Ashes, Gabba Test: Pat Cummins' shock return on cards as AUS delay naming XI

Defiant England captain Ben Stokes says he will not allow intense media attention to stop him enjoying Australia, calling it preferable to being back home where it is "miserable, freezing cold and dark" at this time of year. The team's every move is being scrutinised on the five-Test Ashes tour, with players followed through the airport, on golf courses and on a trip to an aquarium. Stokes and other players were snapped this week riding electric scooters around Brisbane without helmets, prompting a front-page "Pommy Idiots" headline from the city's Courier-Mail newspaper on Thursday. Not wearing a helmet is punishable by a fine under Queensland state law, with police saying they had "engaged with those persons to inform and educate them on compliance requirements".&nbsp;Stokes said being under the microscope was part and parcel of being on tour in Australia, and he was not letting it get to him.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2025-26-aussie-opener-khawaja-out-of-brisbane-test-who-will-open-now-1764659426367">Ashes 2025-26: Aussie opener Khawaja out of Brisbane Test - Who will open now?</a>&nbsp;"If they (the media) think it is going to stop us enjoying this country when we have time off, then it is not going to do that," he told the BBC. “Australia is the best country to tour away from cricket. There are so many things to do. You can go out and about and see things that only Australia has to offer, great golf courses, coffee shops and easy places to have lunch.”&nbsp;He added that having down time was important for players to take the pressure off.&nbsp;"We are human," he said. "We need to enjoy countries when we get the opportunity because we live in England, where it is miserable, freezing cold and dark at 4 pm."&nbsp;England are preparing for the second Test in Brisbane, starting Thursday. They lost the series opener in Perth by eight wickets inside two days.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.&nbsp;

Stokes said being under the microscope was part and parcel of being on tour in Australia, and he was not letting it get to him.

Defiant England captain Ben Stokes says he will not allow intense media attention to stop him enjoying Australia, calling it preferable to being back home where it is "miserable, freezing cold and dark" at this time of year. The team's every move is being scrutinised on the five-Test Ashes tour, with players followed through the airport, on golf courses and on a trip to an aquarium. Stokes and other players were snapped this week riding electric scooters around Brisbane without helmets, prompting a front-page "Pommy Idiots" headline from the city's Courier-Mail newspaper on Thursday. Not wearing a helmet is punishable by a fine under Queensland state law, with police saying they had "engaged with those persons to inform and educate them on compliance requirements". Stokes said being under the microscope was part and parcel of being on tour in Australia, and he was not letting it get to him. Also read | Ashes 2025-26: Aussie opener Khawaja out of Brisbane Test - Who will open now? "If they (the media) think it is going to stop us enjoying this country when we have time off, then it is not going to do that," he told the BBC. “Australia is the best country to tour away from cricket. There are so many things to do. You can go out and about and see things that only Australia has to offer, great golf courses, coffee shops and easy places to have lunch.” He added that having down time was important for players to take the pressure off. "We are human," he said. "We need to enjoy countries when we get the opportunity because we live in England, where it is miserable, freezing cold and dark at 4 pm." England are preparing for the second Test in Brisbane, starting Thursday. They lost the series opener in Perth by eight wickets inside two days. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Stokes said being under the microscope was part and parcel of being on tour in Australia, and he was not letting it get to him.

‘Australia is the best country…,’ Stokes on enjoying life Down Under amid crushing Ashes start

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test after failing to recover from back spasm, confirmed Cricket Australia on Tuesday (Dec 2). The 38-year-old was already under pressure after back spasms forced him off the field during the first Test in Perth. With no replacement added to the squad, Travis Head will get an another chance to open the batting. In the second innings of Perth Test, Head impressed everyone with his match-winning knock, smashing 123 runs from 83 balls. &nbsp;&nbsp;“Usman Khawaja has been ruled out [of the second] Ashes Test match against England in Brisbane with a back injury. Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been replaced in the squad", Cricket Australia said in a statement. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-gabba-test-england-name-xi-for-day-night-tie-will-jacks-replaces-mark-wood-1764659406821">Ashes, Gabba Test: England name XI for Day/Night tie; all-rounder replaces Wood</a>&nbsp;Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster are also available as batting options. Inglis has recently hit a century against England Lions, while Webster can provide extra bowling depth for the home team.&nbsp;Khawaja’s absence from the second Test also leaves a big question over his Test future, as he struggled in recent years on home soil. He scored only two runs in the first Test against England and his Test average in this year is only 35.6, despite a double century (232) against Sri Lanka. He has passed 90-run mark only once in his last 45 Test innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/day-night-ashes-tests-here-to-stay-cricket-australia-hits-back-at-joe-root-criticism-1764655050602">Day/Night Ashes Tests here to stay: CA hits back at Joe Root’s criticism</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, England have confirmed their lineup for the second Test, with all-rounder Will Jacks replacing the injured Mark Wood.&nbsp;<h2>England's playing XI for second Ashes Test&nbsp;</h2>Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

England trail the series 1-0 after having lost the opening Test in Perth by eight wickets inside the opening two days

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test after failing to recover from back spasm, confirmed Cricket Australia on Tuesday (Dec 2). The 38-year-old was already under pressure after back spasms forced him off the field during the first Test in Perth. With no replacement added to the squad, Travis Head will get an another chance to open the batting. In the second innings of Perth Test, Head impressed everyone with his match-winning knock, smashing 123 runs from 83 balls. “Usman Khawaja has been ruled out [of the second] Ashes Test match against England in Brisbane with a back injury. Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been replaced in the squad", Cricket Australia said in a statement. Also Read - Ashes, Gabba Test: England name XI for Day/Night tie; all-rounder replaces Wood Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster are also available as batting options. Inglis has recently hit a century against England Lions, while Webster can provide extra bowling depth for the home team. Khawaja’s absence from the second Test also leaves a big question over his Test future, as he struggled in recent years on home soil. He scored only two runs in the first Test against England and his Test average in this year is only 35.6, despite a double century (232) against Sri Lanka. He has passed 90-run mark only once in his last 45 Test innings. Also Read - Day/Night Ashes Tests here to stay: CA hits back at Joe Root’s criticism Meanwhile, England have confirmed their lineup for the second Test, with all-rounder Will Jacks replacing the injured Mark Wood. England's playing XI for second Ashes Test Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

England trail the series 1-0 after having lost the opening Test in Perth by eight wickets inside the opening two days

Ashes 2025-26: Aussie opener Khawaja out of Brisbane Test - Who will open now?

Travis Head, known to perform on bigger stages and in challenging conditions, would care the least about his batting position as long as it’s for the team; that was his mindset after being promoted to open in the second innings of the Ashes opener in Perth (in Khawaja's absence), wherein he smoked a brilliant hundred (123 off 83 balls) while chasing, helping Australia win the match inside two days and take a 1-0 lead in this five-match series. With the hosts still contemplating their opening pair for the Pink-Ball Test in Brisbane, Head seems to be happier in taking up whatever his role demands.&nbsp;The Australian team landed in Brisbane on Sunday (Nov 30); before their training for the second Test began, Head revealed that his batting position hasn’t been discussed yet, as he continues to prepare for anything at this stage.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-eng-joe-root-questions-need-for-pink-ball-ashes-tests-amid-dry-run-down-under-1764492834023">Joe Root questions need for pink-ball Ashes Tests amid dry run Down Under</a> &nbsp;"I'm happy," Head said of his chances to retain his spot as opener for the remainder of the series. "If that's what is needed to win a Test match, and if that's what's required, then, yeah, I'm fine with it. &nbsp;"I'm preparing for anything at this stage… There's a fair bit to work through. I've just got here. We haven't really had many conversations over the last week. It's been about just spending some time out of the game as much as you can. You don't get much time to chill out in a massive series like this, where it's pretty full-on every single day,” he continues.<h3>‘Batting orders are overrated’</h3>Head agreed with his Test captain Pat Cummins’ remarks on batting orders being overrated, explaining, “I agree with Pat. I think you could use this order and these players in a range of different ways, and whatever way that is to win games of cricket. &nbsp;"We've seen it in red-ball [Tests] but particularly probably pink-ball [Tests] as well. Non-traditional stuff, with double nightwatchmen, how you use orders, and how you use players in certain situations. So, I agree with Pat that I think they're slightly over-rated… It's ever-evolving, and we'll see where we get to,” he continued.&nbsp;

Amid concerns around Usman Khawaja's fitness and form, Travis Head leads race to open in the second Test at the Gabba.

Travis Head, known to perform on bigger stages and in challenging conditions, would care the least about his batting position as long as it’s for the team; that was his mindset after being promoted to open in the second innings of the Ashes opener in Perth (in Khawaja's absence), wherein he smoked a brilliant hundred (123 off 83 balls) while chasing, helping Australia win the match inside two days and take a 1-0 lead in this five-match series. With the hosts still contemplating their opening pair for the Pink-Ball Test in Brisbane, Head seems to be happier in taking up whatever his role demands. The Australian team landed in Brisbane on Sunday (Nov 30); before their training for the second Test began, Head revealed that his batting position hasn’t been discussed yet, as he continues to prepare for anything at this stage. Also read | Joe Root questions need for pink-ball Ashes Tests amid dry run Down Under "I'm happy," Head said of his chances to retain his spot as opener for the remainder of the series. "If that's what is needed to win a Test match, and if that's what's required, then, yeah, I'm fine with it. "I'm preparing for anything at this stage… There's a fair bit to work through. I've just got here. We haven't really had many conversations over the last week. It's been about just spending some time out of the game as much as you can. You don't get much time to chill out in a massive series like this, where it's pretty full-on every single day,” he continues. ‘Batting orders are overrated’ Head agreed with his Test captain Pat Cummins’ remarks on batting orders being overrated, explaining, “I agree with Pat. I think you could use this order and these players in a range of different ways, and whatever way that is to win games of cricket. "We've seen it in red-ball [Tests] but particularly probably pink-ball [Tests] as well. Non-traditional stuff, with double nightwatchmen, how you use orders, and how you use players in certain situations. So, I agree with Pat that I think they're slightly over-rated… It's ever-evolving, and we'll see where we get to,” he continued.

Amid concerns around Usman Khawaja's fitness and form, Travis Head leads race to open in the second Test at the Gabba.

Ashes, 2nd Test: ‘I am preparing for anything,’ Travis Head on opening alongside Khawaja

England's Joe Root on Sunday questioned whether the Ashes needed a pink-ball Test as he expressed confidence in his ability to get a big score in the day-night clash against Australia in Brisbane. The former captain, Test cricket's second highest run-scorer after Sachin Tendulkar, has played in each of England's seven previous day-night Tests. They have won two and lost five. But he is not sold on the idea of the matches being part of an Ashes series, with the first three days of the second Test at the Gabba sold out.&nbsp;"I personally don't think so," he told reporters when asked if the Ashes needed the second Test, which begins on Thursday, to be a day-night match. "It does add to things. It's obviously very successful and popular here and obviously Australia have got a very good record as well.&nbsp;"I can see why we're playing one of those games. A series like this, does it need it? I don't think so, but it doesn't mean it shouldn't be here either."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andre-russell-announces-ipl-retirement-ahead-of-mini-auction-kkr-kolkata-knight-riders-1764488115558">KKR's Andre Russell announces IPL retirement ahead of mini-auction</a>&nbsp;Australia are masters of pink-ball Tests -- winning 13 of 14 matches under lights. Their only defeat was against the West Indies at the Gabba last year, but England have not won in Brisbane since 1986. The hosts take a 1-0 lead into the showdown after a stunning eight-wicket win in Perth, a frantic Test that was all over inside two days.&nbsp;Root, who is yet to score a century in Australia, lasted just 18 balls across two innings, out for a duck and eight with Mitchell Starc his tormentor. But the 34-year-old is confident he can turn around his mediocre form on Australian soil, where he averages 33.33 in 15 Tests compared to his career average of 50.94.&nbsp;"I know if I get time out there and I make good decisions for long periods of time, I'm going to be successful," he said. “I know that I'm a good player, it's just about putting that into the games out here.”&nbsp;England's top order had a net session at the Gabba on Sunday as they acclimatise to the humid weather.&nbsp;Root said he was comfortable with the decision not to go to Canberra and play a pink-ball tour match this weekend against a Prime Minister's XI.&nbsp;"This is the best way to prepare personally," he said. "Time in the middle is one thing, but as an experienced player, I feel like I know what I need to get the best out of myself."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Joe Root got out cheaply across both innings in the first Ashes Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. 

England's Joe Root on Sunday questioned whether the Ashes needed a pink-ball Test as he expressed confidence in his ability to get a big score in the day-night clash against Australia in Brisbane. The former captain, Test cricket's second highest run-scorer after Sachin Tendulkar, has played in each of England's seven previous day-night Tests. They have won two and lost five. But he is not sold on the idea of the matches being part of an Ashes series, with the first three days of the second Test at the Gabba sold out. "I personally don't think so," he told reporters when asked if the Ashes needed the second Test, which begins on Thursday, to be a day-night match. "It does add to things. It's obviously very successful and popular here and obviously Australia have got a very good record as well. "I can see why we're playing one of those games. A series like this, does it need it? I don't think so, but it doesn't mean it shouldn't be here either." Also read | KKR's Andre Russell announces IPL retirement ahead of mini-auction Australia are masters of pink-ball Tests -- winning 13 of 14 matches under lights. Their only defeat was against the West Indies at the Gabba last year, but England have not won in Brisbane since 1986. The hosts take a 1-0 lead into the showdown after a stunning eight-wicket win in Perth, a frantic Test that was all over inside two days. Root, who is yet to score a century in Australia, lasted just 18 balls across two innings, out for a duck and eight with Mitchell Starc his tormentor. But the 34-year-old is confident he can turn around his mediocre form on Australian soil, where he averages 33.33 in 15 Tests compared to his career average of 50.94. "I know if I get time out there and I make good decisions for long periods of time, I'm going to be successful," he said. “I know that I'm a good player, it's just about putting that into the games out here.” England's top order had a net session at the Gabba on Sunday as they acclimatise to the humid weather. Root said he was comfortable with the decision not to go to Canberra and play a pink-ball tour match this weekend against a Prime Minister's XI. "This is the best way to prepare personally," he said. "Time in the middle is one thing, but as an experienced player, I feel like I know what I need to get the best out of myself." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Joe Root got out cheaply across both innings in the first Ashes Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth.&nbsp;

Joe Root questions need for pink-ball Ashes Tests amid dry run Down Under

England pacer Mark Wood is likely to sit out of the second Test match of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 as he continues to recover from a long-term issue. As revealed by media reports on Saturday (Nov 29), Wood will miss the pink-ball Test in Gabba, which starts on Thursday, while Josh Tongue could be a like-for-like replacement. England are currently trailing 0-1 in the ongoing Ashes against Australia, having lost by eight wickets in Perth.<h2>Mark Wood to miss out Brisbane Test?</h2>Wood recently returned to the Test set-up, having missed the majority of the year due to a knee issue, on which he also had surgery. The pacer, who was part of the all-pace attack in Perth, had surgery in March that addressed medial ligament damage. His last Test match before the return was against Sri Lanka in August 2024. While he is still not 100 per cent, the medical team is closely monitoring his situation and doesn’t want to take any risk.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The medical team’s first priority is to keep Wood free of injuries for the rest of the Ashes. He will turn 36 in January, meaning Wood has already passed his peak and will need close match-to-match monitoring in order to stay fit.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Speaking to Fox Cricket during the opening Test in Perth, Wood conceded he would "definitely not play five".&nbsp;Wood was England's best bowler on show on the 2021-22 tour (17 wickets at 26.64) and he took nine wickets in final Test at Hobart - England's last pink-ball match in Australia. Nevertheless, he will be parked this week, with Josh Tongue likeliest to take his spot.&nbsp;The second Ashes Test will start on Thursday (Dec 4) with England trailing 0-1 and as they try to win their first match Down Under since 2010-11.

As revealed by media reports on Saturday (Nov 29), Mark Wood will miss the pink-ball Test in Gabba, which starts on Thursday, while Josh Tongue could be a like-for-like replacement. 

England pacer Mark Wood is likely to sit out of the second Test match of the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 as he continues to recover from a long-term issue. As revealed by media reports on Saturday (Nov 29), Wood will miss the pink-ball Test in Gabba, which starts on Thursday, while Josh Tongue could be a like-for-like replacement. England are currently trailing 0-1 in the ongoing Ashes against Australia, having lost by eight wickets in Perth. Mark Wood to miss out Brisbane Test? Wood recently returned to the Test set-up, having missed the majority of the year due to a knee issue, on which he also had surgery. The pacer, who was part of the all-pace attack in Perth, had surgery in March that addressed medial ligament damage. His last Test match before the return was against Sri Lanka in August 2024. While he is still not 100 per cent, the medical team is closely monitoring his situation and doesn’t want to take any risk. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes The medical team’s first priority is to keep Wood free of injuries for the rest of the Ashes. He will turn 36 in January, meaning Wood has already passed his peak and will need close match-to-match monitoring in order to stay fit. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Speaking to Fox Cricket during the opening Test in Perth, Wood conceded he would "definitely not play five". Wood was England's best bowler on show on the 2021-22 tour (17 wickets at 26.64) and he took nine wickets in final Test at Hobart - England's last pink-ball match in Australia. Nevertheless, he will be parked this week, with Josh Tongue likeliest to take his spot. The second Ashes Test will start on Thursday (Dec 4) with England trailing 0-1 and as they try to win their first match Down Under since 2010-11.

As revealed by media reports on Saturday (Nov 29), Mark Wood will miss the pink-ball Test in Gabba, which starts on Thursday, while Josh Tongue could be a like-for-like replacement.&nbsp;

Ashes 2025-26: Mark Wood set to miss pink-ball Test in Gabba, Josh Tongue likely to feature - Report

Australia skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled of the second Ashes Test against England after missing the series opener in Perth as well. The pacer is recuperating from an injury and has returned to bowling but continues to build his workload before making a return. The second Test, which would be a day-night fixture, is set to be played from December 4 at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia have named the same 14-man squad for the second match which they had announced for the Perth Test. The hosts are currently leading the series 1-0.<h2>Khawaja retains place, for now</h2>Opening batter Usman Khawaja, who could not open in any of the Perth Test innings because of back spasm, has retained his place. The 39-year-old, however, will be under intense scrutiny given Travis Head's success at the top including a blistering 123 in the second innings of the first Test which handed Australia the win. Khawaja's age might also become a factor in decided a new opening pair for Australia after the series if not in between.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-ipl-blamed-for-team-india-series-loss-to-south-africa-herschelle-gibbs-calls-for-overhaul-1764253773702">IPL blamed for India's series loss to SA as Proteas great calls for overhaul</a><h2>Will Lyon play or not?</h2>With Australia being without Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, pacer Brendan Doggett is most likely to retain his place in the playing XI along with Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc. There's however, a doubt over spinner Nathan Lyon's inclusion for the pink-ball Test given he did not play in Australia's day-night fixture in West Indies earlier this year. In Perth as well, Lyon bowled only two overs only as the pacers did all the work.With Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, and Beau Webster being the three players in 14-man squad who did not make it to the playing XI in Perth, Lyon could be replaced by either Webster or Inglish to bolster the batting a bit.

Australia have named the same 14-man squad for the second match which they had announced for the Perth Test. The hosts are currently leading the series 1-0. Opening batter Usman Khawaja, who could not open in any of the Perth Test innings because of back spasm, has retained his place.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins has been ruled of the second Ashes Test against England after missing the series opener in Perth as well. The pacer is recuperating from an injury and has returned to bowling but continues to build his workload before making a return. The second Test, which would be a day-night fixture, is set to be played from December 4 at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia have named the same 14-man squad for the second match which they had announced for the Perth Test. The hosts are currently leading the series 1-0. Khawaja retains place, for now Opening batter Usman Khawaja, who could not open in any of the Perth Test innings because of back spasm, has retained his place. The 39-year-old, however, will be under intense scrutiny given Travis Head's success at the top including a blistering 123 in the second innings of the first Test which handed Australia the win. Khawaja's age might also become a factor in decided a new opening pair for Australia after the series if not in between. Also Read - IPL blamed for India's series loss to SA as Proteas great calls for overhaul Will Lyon play or not? With Australia being without Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, pacer Brendan Doggett is most likely to retain his place in the playing XI along with Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc. There's however, a doubt over spinner Nathan Lyon's inclusion for the pink-ball Test given he did not play in Australia's day-night fixture in West Indies earlier this year. In Perth as well, Lyon bowled only two overs only as the pacers did all the work. With Josh Inglis, Michael Neser, and Beau Webster being the three players in 14-man squad who did not make it to the playing XI in Perth, Lyon could be replaced by either Webster or Inglish to bolster the batting a bit.

Australia have named the same 14-man squad for the second match which they had announced for the Perth Test. The hosts are currently leading the series 1-0. Opening batter Usman Khawaja, who could not open in any of the Perth Test innings because of back spasm, has retained his place.

Ashes 2025-26: Cummins misses as Australia name unchanged 14-man squad for Brisbane Test

England head into the second Ashes Test in Brisbane looking to put their heavy eight-wicket defeat in the Perth Test behind them. The pink-ball match at the Gabba, starting Thursday (Dec 4), gives them a chance to level the series, but history shows the challenge won’t be easy. England’s record in Brisbane is one of the toughest hurdles they’ve faced in Australia, and their overall pink-ball numbers don’t inspire much confidence either. Still, this is the moment where they have to find answers.<h2>England's record in Gabba&nbsp;</h2>Let’s start with the Gabba. England have played 22 Tests at the venue between 1933 and 2021. Out of those, they have won only four, lost 13, and drawn five. It’s a venue that has rarely been kind to them, and the numbers underline that. A win-loss ratio of 0.307 sums up how difficult life has been for touring English teams in Brisbane.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/james-anderson-expects-england-to-stick-with-same-xi-in-brisbane-despite-perth-defeat-1764233387837">James Anderson expects England to stick with same XI in Brisbane despite Perth defeat</a>&nbsp;Their last win here came way back in 1986, when they beat Australia by seven wickets. Since then, the Gabba has felt like a fortress for Australia. The previous Ashes Test between the two teams at this ground ended in a nine-wicket win by Australia, with Travis Head stealing the show through a brilliant 152.<h2>How have England fared in the pink-ball Test?</h2>If the Brisbane numbers look worrying, England’s pink-ball record doesn’t offer much comfort. They have played seven day-night Tests so far and won only two of them. The first came in 2017 at home, where they defeated West Indies by an innings and 209 runs in Birmingham. The second came in 2023 against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, a dominant 267-run victory.&nbsp;But in between those two wins, England endured a difficult run. They lost by 120 runs in Adelaide in 2017, suffered an innings defeat in Auckland in 2018, and were completely outplayed by India in Ahmedabad in 2021. Three more defeats followed in Australia, including heavy losses in Adelaide and Hobart during the 2021-22 Ashes.

England’s record in Brisbane is one of the toughest hurdles they’ve faced in Australia, and their overall pink-ball numbers don’t inspire much confidence either. Still, this is the moment where they have to find answers.

England head into the second Ashes Test in Brisbane looking to put their heavy eight-wicket defeat in the Perth Test behind them. The pink-ball match at the Gabba, starting Thursday (Dec 4), gives them a chance to level the series, but history shows the challenge won’t be easy. England’s record in Brisbane is one of the toughest hurdles they’ve faced in Australia, and their overall pink-ball numbers don’t inspire much confidence either. Still, this is the moment where they have to find answers. England's record in Gabba Let’s start with the Gabba. England have played 22 Tests at the venue between 1933 and 2021. Out of those, they have won only four, lost 13, and drawn five. It’s a venue that has rarely been kind to them, and the numbers underline that. A win-loss ratio of 0.307 sums up how difficult life has been for touring English teams in Brisbane. Also read | James Anderson expects England to stick with same XI in Brisbane despite Perth defeat Their last win here came way back in 1986, when they beat Australia by seven wickets. Since then, the Gabba has felt like a fortress for Australia. The previous Ashes Test between the two teams at this ground ended in a nine-wicket win by Australia, with Travis Head stealing the show through a brilliant 152. How have England fared in the pink-ball Test? If the Brisbane numbers look worrying, England’s pink-ball record doesn’t offer much comfort. They have played seven day-night Tests so far and won only two of them. The first came in 2017 at home, where they defeated West Indies by an innings and 209 runs in Birmingham. The second came in 2023 against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui, a dominant 267-run victory. But in between those two wins, England endured a difficult run. They lost by 120 runs in Adelaide in 2017, suffered an innings defeat in Auckland in 2018, and were completely outplayed by India in Ahmedabad in 2021. Three more defeats followed in Australia, including heavy losses in Adelaide and Hobart during the 2021-22 Ashes.

England’s record in Brisbane is one of the toughest hurdles they’ve faced in Australia, and their overall pink-ball numbers don’t inspire much confidence either. Still, this is the moment where they have to find answers.

Can England bounce back in Brisbane? A look at their Gabba and pink-ball stats

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has deemed the Perth pitch of first Ashes Test between England and Australia as "very good" despite the match getting over inside two days. The match saw 19 wickets falling on day 1 and 12 on day 2 as Australia marched to a sensational 8-wicket victory thanks to a Travis Head special. The rating was decided by match referee Ranjan Madugalle who deemed that the Perth surface had "good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers."<h2>Debate over pitch rating</h2>The Perth Test was played around the same days as India vs South Africa first Test in Kolkata which also got over inside two days. There's, however, no rating issued so far for the Eden Gardens pitch which assisted the spinners from the very first session and saw India bowled out for 93 in chase of 124, thus losing the match by 30 runs.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/latest-wtc-standings-2025-27-india-slip-below-pakistan-after-series-loss-vs-south-africa-1764155097455">WTC Standings 2025-27: India slip below Pakistan after series loss vs SA</a>In Perth, the pitch had carry and bounce but poor shot selection also aided in both England and Australia being bowled out for below 200-run score in the first innings. In the second innings, England collapsed again before Head smashed a mind-blowing 123 to help the hosts win the Test.<h2>Perth Test records</h2>The first of five Ashes Tests &nbsp;was the shortest in terms of balls bowled since 1888 with only 847 deliveries required to finish the contest. The aggressive batting style by both England and Australia, especially in the second innings, also abetted less balls being bowled.The pacers dominated the Test, taking all 31 wickets which fell across two days with Aussie Mitchell Starc taking a ten-for including a career best 7/58 in England's first innings. With the match getting over inside two days, Cricket Australia lost nearly AUS $3-4 million in revenues as well.

In Perth, the pitch had carry and bounce but poor shot selection also aided in both England and Australia being bowled out for below 200-run score in the first innings. In the second innings, England collapsed again before Head smashed a mind-blowing 123 to help the hosts win the Test.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has deemed the Perth pitch of first Ashes Test between England and Australia as "very good" despite the match getting over inside two days. The match saw 19 wickets falling on day 1 and 12 on day 2 as Australia marched to a sensational 8-wicket victory thanks to a Travis Head special. The rating was decided by match referee Ranjan Madugalle who deemed that the Perth surface had "good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers." Debate over pitch rating The Perth Test was played around the same days as India vs South Africa first Test in Kolkata which also got over inside two days. There's, however, no rating issued so far for the Eden Gardens pitch which assisted the spinners from the very first session and saw India bowled out for 93 in chase of 124, thus losing the match by 30 runs. Also Read - WTC Standings 2025-27: India slip below Pakistan after series loss vs SA In Perth, the pitch had carry and bounce but poor shot selection also aided in both England and Australia being bowled out for below 200-run score in the first innings. In the second innings, England collapsed again before Head smashed a mind-blowing 123 to help the hosts win the Test. Perth Test records The first of five Ashes Tests was the shortest in terms of balls bowled since 1888 with only 847 deliveries required to finish the contest. The aggressive batting style by both England and Australia, especially in the second innings, also abetted less balls being bowled. The pacers dominated the Test, taking all 31 wickets which fell across two days with Aussie Mitchell Starc taking a ten-for including a career best 7/58 in England's first innings. With the match getting over inside two days, Cricket Australia lost nearly AUS $3-4 million in revenues as well.

In Perth, the pitch had carry and bounce but poor shot selection also aided in both England and Australia being bowled out for below 200-run score in the first innings. In the second innings, England collapsed again before Head smashed a mind-blowing 123 to help the hosts win the Test.

Ashes 2025-26: ICC rates Perth pitch as 'very good' despite Test getting over inside two days

Australia may have crushed England in Perth, but the debate around their batting order and team balance for the pink-ball Test in Brisbane is far from settled. The big question is whether Travis Head should stay in the middle order or continue opening after his blistering century in Perth. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch believes Head still fits best at No. 5, especially in a day-night Test where the pink ball behaves differently. Head opened only because Usman Khawaja struggled with back spasms and could not take the field for long periods. He still batted at no. 4 in the first innings and fell to a rising ball from Brydon Carse.&nbsp;&nbsp;Khawaja’s form was already under the scanner heading into the Ashes, with just one Test hundred in his previous 44 innings, but Brisbane has been a strong venue for him. He is the leading run-scorer in day-night first-class cricket at the Gabba, with 502 runs at an average of 50. Finch said the pink ball adds a layer of strategy to Australia’s decision. In his view, Head’s firepower is more valuable in the middle order once the ball softens and conditions settle.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-net-worth-2025-how-mr-ipl-built-his-business-empire-1764150920720">Suresh Raina net worth 2025: How Mr IPL built his business empire</a><h2>Clarke backs Khawaja at the top</h2>Former captain Michael Clarke agreed, saying that if Khawaja is fit, he should return to his usual opening spot. Another important call for Australia is the role of Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;Despite bowling only two overs in Perth and missing the day-night Test in Jamaica earlier this year, both Clarke and Finch insist that Lyon must play in Brisbane. They believe his experience and control are too important to ignore, and conditions at the Gabba almost always reward a spinner later in the match.<h2>Cummins’ availability still unclear</h2>The final fitness check will be on Pat Cummins. He bowled with the pink ball in Sydney this week and rated himself “half a chance” to play. Finch was clear that Australia would not take risks with their captain. If Cummins is fully fit, he returns. If not, they keep him out with a long series ahead. As Brisbane approaches, Australia appear likely to stick with their original plan: Khawaja to open, Head at No. 5, Lyon in the XI, and Cummins only if he is 100 per cent ready.

Khawaja’s form was already under the scanner heading into the Ashes, with just one Test hundred in his previous 44 innings, but Brisbane has been a strong venue for him. He is the leading run-scorer in day-night first-class cricket at the Gabba, with 502 runs at an average of 50. 

Australia may have crushed England in Perth, but the debate around their batting order and team balance for the pink-ball Test in Brisbane is far from settled. The big question is whether Travis Head should stay in the middle order or continue opening after his blistering century in Perth. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch believes Head still fits best at No. 5, especially in a day-night Test where the pink ball behaves differently. Head opened only because Usman Khawaja struggled with back spasms and could not take the field for long periods. He still batted at no. 4 in the first innings and fell to a rising ball from Brydon Carse. Khawaja’s form was already under the scanner heading into the Ashes, with just one Test hundred in his previous 44 innings, but Brisbane has been a strong venue for him. He is the leading run-scorer in day-night first-class cricket at the Gabba, with 502 runs at an average of 50. Finch said the pink ball adds a layer of strategy to Australia’s decision. In his view, Head’s firepower is more valuable in the middle order once the ball softens and conditions settle. Also read | Suresh Raina net worth 2025: How Mr IPL built his business empire Clarke backs Khawaja at the top Former captain Michael Clarke agreed, saying that if Khawaja is fit, he should return to his usual opening spot. Another important call for Australia is the role of Nathan Lyon. Despite bowling only two overs in Perth and missing the day-night Test in Jamaica earlier this year, both Clarke and Finch insist that Lyon must play in Brisbane. They believe his experience and control are too important to ignore, and conditions at the Gabba almost always reward a spinner later in the match. Cummins’ availability still unclear The final fitness check will be on Pat Cummins. He bowled with the pink ball in Sydney this week and rated himself “half a chance” to play. Finch was clear that Australia would not take risks with their captain. If Cummins is fully fit, he returns. If not, they keep him out with a long series ahead. As Brisbane approaches, Australia appear likely to stick with their original plan: Khawaja to open, Head at No. 5, Lyon in the XI, and Cummins only if he is 100 per cent ready.

Khawaja’s form was already under the scanner heading into the Ashes, with just one Test hundred in his previous 44 innings, but Brisbane has been a strong venue for him. He is the leading run-scorer in day-night first-class cricket at the Gabba, with 502 runs at an average of 50.&nbsp;

Head or Khawaja? Who should open for Australia in Brisbane - Here's what Finch and Clarke suggests

England’s cricketers have slowly started regrouping after their overwhelming defeat in Perth, where they were left stunned by Travis Head and Australia. Several players, including Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope, were spotted unwinding on the golf course on Monday, trying to escape the barrage of harsh media criticism that followed their two-day loss. While England's players attempt to recover, Australian media have been relentless in their critiques, especially targeting the team’s collapse. Head, meanwhile, has been showered with praise, with some outlets even dubbing him ‘England’s Daddy’ for his match-winning performance.&nbsp;A few Australian journalists have gone as far as declaring the death of ‘Bazball,’ Brendan McCullum’s aggressive cricket style, suggesting the defeat may have marked the end of this approach. Will Swanton of The Australian humorously referenced an old obituary from 1882, written when England’s cricket team was defeated by Australia, comparing the two losses. His tongue-in-cheek “obituary” read: “In affectionate remembrance of Bazball, which died at the Perth Stadium on 22nd November, 2025. Deeply mourned by a large circle of sorrowing friends, especially those who had tickets for day three. RIP. N.B. – The ashes will be sent to Heathrow.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-if-we-get-the-ball-in-the-right-areas-there-s-says-stubbs-as-proteas-eye-clean-sweep-1764069961537">IND vs SA, 2nd Test: 'If we get the ball in the right areas, there's...', says Stubbs as Proteas eye clean sweep</a>&nbsp;Swanton questioned what lies ahead for England’s strategy, particularly after Head’s fiery century, which saw him score the second-fastest Test century by an Australian in an Ashes series. His knock of 16 fours and four sixes left England with little hope of stopping Australia’s victory march. The Australian media were quick to pile on, with The West Australian dubbing Head’s performance “Travball” and calling out England's poor batting display with harsh headlines like "Pommelled." One report even mocked England’s collapse, comparing their batters to “deckchairs” that folded under pressure. Across the Tasman, other writers like Daniel Brettig of The Sydney Morning Herald compared England’s cricket to the TV series Slow Horses, calling their performances entertaining but not quite enough to win an Ashes series in Australia. Brettig emphasized that England’s batting needed more consistency if they were to stand a chance.&nbsp;Despite the criticism, some in Australia are calling for Head to take up the opening spot ahead of Usman Khawaja, who has struggled with the bat recently. Meanwhile, England faces further questions about their preparation for the next Test, with their decision not to field players in a pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI causing some controversy. Many feel this is an opportunity missed to acclimatize to the day-night conditions at The Gabba, where England has struggled historically.&nbsp;Ben Stokes, England's captain, remains hopeful, despite the heavy loss. He expressed disappointment but is determined to move past the result and focus on bouncing back in the second Test. “We have been in difficult positions before and we know how to respond,” he said, hoping the team will approach the Brisbane Test with confidence.

After England's crushing loss in Perth, Australia’s press is relentless in criticising ‘Bazball.’ Meanwhile, Travis Head's explosive century leaves England stunned

England’s cricketers have slowly started regrouping after their overwhelming defeat in Perth, where they were left stunned by Travis Head and Australia. Several players, including Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope, were spotted unwinding on the golf course on Monday, trying to escape the barrage of harsh media criticism that followed their two-day loss. While England's players attempt to recover, Australian media have been relentless in their critiques, especially targeting the team’s collapse. Head, meanwhile, has been showered with praise, with some outlets even dubbing him ‘England’s Daddy’ for his match-winning performance. A few Australian journalists have gone as far as declaring the death of ‘Bazball,’ Brendan McCullum’s aggressive cricket style, suggesting the defeat may have marked the end of this approach. Will Swanton of The Australian humorously referenced an old obituary from 1882, written when England’s cricket team was defeated by Australia, comparing the two losses. His tongue-in-cheek “obituary” read: “In affectionate remembrance of Bazball, which died at the Perth Stadium on 22nd November, 2025. Deeply mourned by a large circle of sorrowing friends, especially those who had tickets for day three. RIP. N.B. – The ashes will be sent to Heathrow.” Also Read: IND vs SA, 2nd Test: 'If we get the ball in the right areas, there's...', says Stubbs as Proteas eye clean sweep Swanton questioned what lies ahead for England’s strategy, particularly after Head’s fiery century, which saw him score the second-fastest Test century by an Australian in an Ashes series. His knock of 16 fours and four sixes left England with little hope of stopping Australia’s victory march. The Australian media were quick to pile on, with The West Australian dubbing Head’s performance “Travball” and calling out England's poor batting display with harsh headlines like "Pommelled." One report even mocked England’s collapse, comparing their batters to “deckchairs” that folded under pressure. Across the Tasman, other writers like Daniel Brettig of The Sydney Morning Herald compared England’s cricket to the TV series Slow Horses, calling their performances entertaining but not quite enough to win an Ashes series in Australia. Brettig emphasized that England’s batting needed more consistency if they were to stand a chance. Despite the criticism, some in Australia are calling for Head to take up the opening spot ahead of Usman Khawaja, who has struggled with the bat recently. Meanwhile, England faces further questions about their preparation for the next Test, with their decision not to field players in a pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI causing some controversy. Many feel this is an opportunity missed to acclimatize to the day-night conditions at The Gabba, where England has struggled historically. Ben Stokes, England's captain, remains hopeful, despite the heavy loss. He expressed disappointment but is determined to move past the result and focus on bouncing back in the second Test. “We have been in difficult positions before and we know how to respond,” he said, hoping the team will approach the Brisbane Test with confidence.

After England's crushing loss in Perth, Australia’s press is relentless in criticising ‘Bazball.’ Meanwhile, Travis Head's explosive century leaves England stunned

From England's Daddy to Travball: Here's how Australian media turned up the heat on Stokes’ men

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody has sparked controversy by suggesting Nathan Lyon could be dropped for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, starting December 4. Lyon, who is just one wicket away from matching Glenn McGrath’s record of 563 Test wickets, has been under scrutiny. Moody, speaking on Wide World of Sports, believes that conditions in Brisbane will suit an all-pace attack over a specialist spinner.&nbsp;Moody's view comes in light of the Gabba pitch, which is expected to favour fast bowlers. Despite Lyon’s iconic status, Moody pointed out that the shift to day-night Test cricket makes it harder for spinners to play a significant role. He also noted that England’s aggressive batting style, often resulting in short innings, doesn’t give spinners like Lyon a chance to settle into the game.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-india-stare-at-series-defeat-after-being-set-up-549-run-target-in-guwahati-1764066831536">IND vs SA, 2nd Test: India stare at series defeat after being set up 549-run target in Guwahati</a>&nbsp;“I never thought I'd say this, but I would leave Lyon out,” Moody admitted. “It’s a tough decision, especially in Australia, but the Gabba conditions and England’s quick-scoring batsmen make it hard for a spinner to have an impact.” Moody proposed that Beau Webster could replace Lyon in the lineup, providing an extra batter to strengthen the team’s middle order. This would also give Australia more flexibility, particularly with the prospect of facing England’s unpredictable batting. In the first Ashes Test, Australia’s fast bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, ran riot as England crumbled.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite a 40-run first-innings deficit, Starc’s 10-wicket haul triggered a dramatic collapse of six wickets for 39 runs, leaving England in disarray. Travis Head’s blistering century then sealed a dominant win for Australia in just two days.With the series now at 1-0, England will look to bounce back in Brisbane, but Moody believes Australia’s selection strategy could be pivotal.

Ashes 2025-26: Could Nathan Lyon be left out of Brisbane Test? THIS two-time ODI World Cup winner Australian thinks so

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody has sparked controversy by suggesting Nathan Lyon could be dropped for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane, starting December 4. Lyon, who is just one wicket away from matching Glenn McGrath’s record of 563 Test wickets, has been under scrutiny. Moody, speaking on Wide World of Sports, believes that conditions in Brisbane will suit an all-pace attack over a specialist spinner. Moody's view comes in light of the Gabba pitch, which is expected to favour fast bowlers. Despite Lyon’s iconic status, Moody pointed out that the shift to day-night Test cricket makes it harder for spinners to play a significant role. He also noted that England’s aggressive batting style, often resulting in short innings, doesn’t give spinners like Lyon a chance to settle into the game. Also Read: IND vs SA, 2nd Test: India stare at series defeat after being set up 549-run target in Guwahati “I never thought I'd say this, but I would leave Lyon out,” Moody admitted. “It’s a tough decision, especially in Australia, but the Gabba conditions and England’s quick-scoring batsmen make it hard for a spinner to have an impact.” Moody proposed that Beau Webster could replace Lyon in the lineup, providing an extra batter to strengthen the team’s middle order. This would also give Australia more flexibility, particularly with the prospect of facing England’s unpredictable batting. In the first Ashes Test, Australia’s fast bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, ran riot as England crumbled. Despite a 40-run first-innings deficit, Starc’s 10-wicket haul triggered a dramatic collapse of six wickets for 39 runs, leaving England in disarray. Travis Head’s blistering century then sealed a dominant win for Australia in just two days. With the series now at 1-0, England will look to bounce back in Brisbane, but Moody believes Australia’s selection strategy could be pivotal.

Tom Moody suggests that Nathan Lyon should be dropped for the second Ashes Test, favouring an all-pace attack on a seam-friendly Gabba pitch

England pacer Mark Wood conceded that the loss in first Ashes Test in Perth is 'going to hurt and it should' after Australia won the five-Test series opener inside two days. England were on top of Australia despite scoring just 172 runs in the first innings but a whirlwind ton by Travis Head in the second innings of Australia knocked them out. The second Test in Brisbane, a day-night match, is still more than a week away and Wood is hopeful of England throwing some punches back.<h2>Wood concedes Perth loss 'going to hurt'</h2>Reflecting on the loss on a podcast with former England pacer Stuart Broad, Wood said: "There has to be reflection of what went on, understand the disappointment but also know we did some good things in this game."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-pakistan-on-february-15-in-colombo-in-t20-world-cup-2026-check-full-india-schedule-1764041771552">India vs Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo in T20 World Cup 2026</a>"Can we take them into the other four games? This is not one, it's one of five. We've been hit pretty hard in round one, but we've got other rounds to try and throw some back," the pacer remained hopeful. "It's going to hurt and it should hurt for a few days, the players feel that as well."<h2>England opt out of pink-ball practice</h2>Despite the loss and the next Test at the Gabba being a pink-ball fixture, England playing XI has declined the opportunity to take part in the tour match against Australia PM XI. The two-day day/night match starts Saturday with only Jacob Bethell, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue coming in Canberra to take part in the fixture. All three players were not part of 12-man team announced by England ahead of the Perth Test. The decision has attracted criticism as the tour match would have given England some experience of playing under the lights. The second Test starts December 4 at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane.

The second Test, a day-night match, is still more than a week away and Wood is hopeful of England throwing some punches back. The second Test starts December 4 at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane.

England pacer Mark Wood conceded that the loss in first Ashes Test in Perth is 'going to hurt and it should' after Australia won the five-Test series opener inside two days. England were on top of Australia despite scoring just 172 runs in the first innings but a whirlwind ton by Travis Head in the second innings of Australia knocked them out. The second Test in Brisbane, a day-night match, is still more than a week away and Wood is hopeful of England throwing some punches back. Wood concedes Perth loss 'going to hurt' Reflecting on the loss on a podcast with former England pacer Stuart Broad, Wood said: "There has to be reflection of what went on, understand the disappointment but also know we did some good things in this game." Also Read - India vs Pakistan on February 15 in Colombo in T20 World Cup 2026 "Can we take them into the other four games? This is not one, it's one of five. We've been hit pretty hard in round one, but we've got other rounds to try and throw some back," the pacer remained hopeful. "It's going to hurt and it should hurt for a few days, the players feel that as well." England opt out of pink-ball practice Despite the loss and the next Test at the Gabba being a pink-ball fixture, England playing XI has declined the opportunity to take part in the tour match against Australia PM XI. The two-day day/night match starts Saturday with only Jacob Bethell, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue coming in Canberra to take part in the fixture. All three players were not part of 12-man team announced by England ahead of the Perth Test. The decision has attracted criticism as the tour match would have given England some experience of playing under the lights. The second Test starts December 4 at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane.

The second Test, a day-night match, is still more than a week away and Wood is hopeful of England throwing some punches back. The second Test starts December 4 at the iconic Gabba stadium in Brisbane.

Ashes 2025-26: Wood concedes Perth loss 'going to hurt and it should' but hope of England throwing some punches back

In a blow to Australia, pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane after picking up the hamstring injury days before the first Test. Hazlewood also didn't part in the first Test in Perth but Australia went on to win the match by eight wickets inside two days to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Aussie skipper Cummins, on the other hand, is looking hopeful for the Gabba Test after missing the first Test but a call would be taken near to the match date which begins December 4.<h2>Hazlewood out, Cummins only hopeful for Gabba Test</h2>"He's working through the first week of his rehab," Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said about Hazlewood. "I'm not sure that we need to give an update on that. Once he gets further down the track and [we] have some rough timelines, then we'll be in a position to communicate that."As for Cummins, Aussie coach said: "There's a lot of positives, but now it's just really building that resilience within the soft tissue and making sure that we're not putting him in harm's way in terms of accelerating it too much."Also Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/40-year-old-ronaldo-stuns-with-sensational-bicycle-kick-goal-for-al-nassr-watch-1763958501638">40-year-old Ronaldo stuns with sensational bicycle kick goal for Al Nassr</a><h2>Starc leads with 10-for in absence of Hazlewood, Cummins</h2>There were questions about Australia's pace attack in the lead up to the Ashes opener but a fiery Starc rose to the occasion with a perfect performance. In the first innings, the left-arm pacer took 7/58 - his career best figures - and backed it with a three-wicket haul in the second innings to complete a 10-for. Along with Starc, Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett also impressed with four and five wickets, respectively in the match. In case of Cummins return, Doggett is likely to miss out from the playing XI for the next Test.

There were questions about Australia's pace attack in the lead up to the Ashes opener but a fiery Starc rose to the occasion with a perfect performance. As for the second Test, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out but skipper Pat Cummins remains hopeful for the participation.

In a blow to Australia, pacer Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test in Brisbane after picking up the hamstring injury days before the first Test. Hazlewood also didn't part in the first Test in Perth but Australia went on to win the match by eight wickets inside two days to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Aussie skipper Cummins, on the other hand, is looking hopeful for the Gabba Test after missing the first Test but a call would be taken near to the match date which begins December 4. Hazlewood out, Cummins only hopeful for Gabba Test "He's working through the first week of his rehab," Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said about Hazlewood. "I'm not sure that we need to give an update on that. Once he gets further down the track and [we] have some rough timelines, then we'll be in a position to communicate that." As for Cummins, Aussie coach said: "There's a lot of positives, but now it's just really building that resilience within the soft tissue and making sure that we're not putting him in harm's way in terms of accelerating it too much." Also Watch: 40-year-old Ronaldo stuns with sensational bicycle kick goal for Al Nassr Starc leads with 10-for in absence of Hazlewood, Cummins There were questions about Australia's pace attack in the lead up to the Ashes opener but a fiery Starc rose to the occasion with a perfect performance. In the first innings, the left-arm pacer took 7/58 - his career best figures - and backed it with a three-wicket haul in the second innings to complete a 10-for. Along with Starc, Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett also impressed with four and five wickets, respectively in the match. In case of Cummins return, Doggett is likely to miss out from the playing XI for the next Test.

There were questions about Australia's pace attack in the lead up to the Ashes opener but a fiery Starc rose to the occasion with a perfect performance. As for the second Test, Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out but skipper Pat Cummins remains hopeful for the participation.

Ashes 2025-26: In a blow to Australia, pacer Josh Hazlewood out of second Test but Cummins remains hopeful

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has slammed for their lack of preparation for the second Test as the visitors were humbled to a second-day defeat in the opening Ashes Test on Saturday (Nov 22). Playing at the Optus Stadium, England lost by eight wickets after brilliance from Mitchell Starc and Travis Head stole the show. However, the focus is now on the second Test, which will be played under the lights with a pink ball in Brisbane.<h2>Vaughan questions England’s preparations</h2>While a warm-up match has been arranged in the build-up to the second Test at Manuka Oval in Canberra, England won’t be fielding their best XI. In fact, the English will field the England Lions development side, meaning no player from the current roster will be playing in the warm-up match before the big Test in Brisbane. The criticism comes after England have a poor record in pink-ball Tests as they have lost all three matches against Australia.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;"It's amateurish if England don't go out and practice between now and then," he said, questioning why the team would risk entering a crucial day-night Test underprepared."What harm is it playing two days of cricket with the pink ball under lights? I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better," Vaughan said, arguing that match exposure remains irreplaceable.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>What happened in Perth?</h2>Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes Test as they wrapped up the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium. With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days, as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series.

Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes Test as they wrapped up the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium. With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has slammed for their lack of preparation for the second Test as the visitors were humbled to a second-day defeat in the opening Ashes Test on Saturday (Nov 22). Playing at the Optus Stadium, England lost by eight wickets after brilliance from Mitchell Starc and Travis Head stole the show. However, the focus is now on the second Test, which will be played under the lights with a pink ball in Brisbane. Vaughan questions England’s preparations While a warm-up match has been arranged in the build-up to the second Test at Manuka Oval in Canberra, England won’t be fielding their best XI. In fact, the English will field the England Lions development side, meaning no player from the current roster will be playing in the warm-up match before the big Test in Brisbane. The criticism comes after England have a poor record in pink-ball Tests as they have lost all three matches against Australia. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes "It's amateurish if England don't go out and practice between now and then," he said, questioning why the team would risk entering a crucial day-night Test underprepared. "What harm is it playing two days of cricket with the pink ball under lights? I can't be so old school to suggest that by playing cricket they might get a little bit better," Vaughan said, arguing that match exposure remains irreplaceable. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes What happened in Perth? Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes Test as they wrapped up the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium. With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days, as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series.

Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes Test as they wrapped up the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium. With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight.

Ashes: Michael Vaughan questions England's pink-ball Test preparations, says 'what harm is it playing...'

Australia's Cricket team was at its fluent best on Saturday (Nov 22) as they wrapped up the opening Ashes Test in two days to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Led by the energetic Travis Head and the bowling heroics of Mitchell Starc, Australia beat England by eight wickets in a low-scoring affair that could have tilted the match in either side's favour. However, despite this, it is Cricket Australia who is now in worry after the match got over in two days.<h2>Cricket Australia to lose THIS whopping amount</h2>An early finish to the contest meant, Cricket Australia will have to refund tickets purchased for Days 3-5 of the Ashes Test. This means the CA has to refund thousands of fans as no cricket will take place on Sunday (the highest revenue expected) and thereafter. According to Espncricinfo, a record 101,514 attended the Test - 51,531 on Friday, then 49,983 - to surpass the record set of 96,463 in Perth last year when India won in four days. Day three was also almost sold out.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Had Day 3 been sold out, it would have set a new record for an Ashes Test at a non-Melbourne venue. CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million ($1.94 million) from ticket revenue for days three and four.&nbsp;"It's difficult for a number of different groups," Greenberg told SEN when discussing the financial impact of a match finishing early. "Our broadcasters, first of all. &nbsp;Certainly, us, on ticket sales and our partners and sponsors. There's a big economic impact on this series."&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>What happened in the match?</h2>Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes 2025-26 Test as they wrapped the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium. With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days, as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series.

Had Day 3 been sold out, it would have set a new record for an Ashes Test at a non-Melbourne venue. CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million ($1.94 million) from ticket revenue for days three and four.

Australia's Cricket team was at its fluent best on Saturday (Nov 22) as they wrapped up the opening Ashes Test in two days to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Led by the energetic Travis Head and the bowling heroics of Mitchell Starc, Australia beat England by eight wickets in a low-scoring affair that could have tilted the match in either side's favour. However, despite this, it is Cricket Australia who is now in worry after the match got over in two days. Cricket Australia to lose THIS whopping amount An early finish to the contest meant, Cricket Australia will have to refund tickets purchased for Days 3-5 of the Ashes Test. This means the CA has to refund thousands of fans as no cricket will take place on Sunday (the highest revenue expected) and thereafter. According to Espncricinfo, a record 101,514 attended the Test - 51,531 on Friday, then 49,983 - to surpass the record set of 96,463 in Perth last year when India won in four days. Day three was also almost sold out. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Had Day 3 been sold out, it would have set a new record for an Ashes Test at a non-Melbourne venue. CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million ($1.94 million) from ticket revenue for days three and four. "It's difficult for a number of different groups," Greenberg told SEN when discussing the financial impact of a match finishing early. "Our broadcasters, first of all. Certainly, us, on ticket sales and our partners and sponsors. There's a big economic impact on this series." ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes What happened in the match? Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes 2025-26 Test as they wrapped the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium. With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days, as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series.

Had Day 3 been sold out, it would have set a new record for an Ashes Test at a non-Melbourne venue. CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million ($1.94 million) from ticket revenue for days three and four.

Ashes 2025-26: Brilliance on the field, but Cricket Australia to lose THIS whopping amount after two-day Test

Australia’s dominant win in the Ashes opener has shaken up the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 points table, pushing them further ahead while leaving England stuck in the middle of the standings. With the new cycle still fresh, this result has already shifted early momentum in Australia’s favour. Australia thrashed England by eight wickets in the first Test in Perth.&nbsp;The chase looked easy, mainly because of Travis Head, who smashed a brilliant 123 off 83 balls. Opening the innings in place of Usman Khawaja, Head reached his hundred in just 69 balls and kept England under pressure throughout. He added a 117-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne, who chipped in with a steady 51 from 49 balls. Head eventually fell as the second wicket, but by then the match was already in Australia’s grip. His knock included 16 fours and 4 sixes, underlining how quickly he took the game away.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pat-cummins-drops-big-update-about-his-ashes-return-here-s-what-we-know-pat-cummins-ashes-2025-26-1763821637059">Pat Cummins drops BIG update about his Ashes return; here's what we know</a>&nbsp;This victory gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series and also protected their perfect record in the WTC 2025–27 cycle. They have now won all four of their Tests, sitting at the top of the table with a 100 per cent points record.&nbsp;For England, things look tough. They have won only two of their six Tests in this WTC cycle and have slipped to sixth place with a points percentage of 36.11. They were already under pressure coming into Perth, and this defeat only deepened their problems.&nbsp;Before Head’s fireworks, Mitchell Starc had already set the tone. He took seven wickets on the opening day, ripping through England’s batting. Starc picked up three more in the second innings, making it a memorable match for him and giving Australia a strong start to the series.&nbsp;The next Test will be held from December 4 to 8 at The Gabba in Brisbane. It will be a day-night match played with the pink ball, a condition Australia usually enjoys.

This victory gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series and also protected their perfect record in the WTC 2025–27 cycle. They have now won all four of their Tests.

Australia’s dominant win in the Ashes opener has shaken up the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 points table, pushing them further ahead while leaving England stuck in the middle of the standings. With the new cycle still fresh, this result has already shifted early momentum in Australia’s favour. Australia thrashed England by eight wickets in the first Test in Perth. The chase looked easy, mainly because of Travis Head, who smashed a brilliant 123 off 83 balls. Opening the innings in place of Usman Khawaja, Head reached his hundred in just 69 balls and kept England under pressure throughout. He added a 117-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne, who chipped in with a steady 51 from 49 balls. Head eventually fell as the second wicket, but by then the match was already in Australia’s grip. His knock included 16 fours and 4 sixes, underlining how quickly he took the game away. Also read | Pat Cummins drops BIG update about his Ashes return; here's what we know This victory gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series and also protected their perfect record in the WTC 2025–27 cycle. They have now won all four of their Tests, sitting at the top of the table with a 100 per cent points record. For England, things look tough. They have won only two of their six Tests in this WTC cycle and have slipped to sixth place with a points percentage of 36.11. They were already under pressure coming into Perth, and this defeat only deepened their problems. Before Head’s fireworks, Mitchell Starc had already set the tone. He took seven wickets on the opening day, ripping through England’s batting. Starc picked up three more in the second innings, making it a memorable match for him and giving Australia a strong start to the series. The next Test will be held from December 4 to 8 at The Gabba in Brisbane. It will be a day-night match played with the pink ball, a condition Australia usually enjoys.

This victory gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series and also protected their perfect record in the WTC 2025–27 cycle. They have now won all four of their Tests.

ICC WTC table 2025-27: Australia strengthen top spot after big Ashes win

When Mitchell Starc marks out his run-up for the first over of a Test match, there is always a murmur in the stadium, an unspoken warning that something could happen immediately. Perth knows this better than most. You can feel it in the way the crowd leans forward, the way the slips crouch lower, the way the batter takes that extra breath. It’s a familiar buzz, the kind that tells you: When Starc starts a Test, a wicket is never far away. In the opening Ashes Test of 2025–26, that buzz became prophecy. By stumps on day 1, Starc had taken 7 wickets, and reminded the cricket world that very few left-arm fast bowlers in history can dictate the rhythm of a match like he still can at 35.<h2>The buzz, the angle, the spell</h2>Perth has always been good to left-arm quicks, but it belongs to Starc. The bounce suits him, the wind suits him, the hardness of the pitch amplifies the violence in his late swing. When he steamed in for the first ball of the series, the ball hit the keeper’s gloves at 147 kmph, thudding into the webbing like a gunshot. Four balls later, Zak Crawley was late on a length delivery that tailed in just enough. Nick to Usman Khawaja, who fumbled but took the catch. The buzz turned into a roar. For the next hour, every delivery felt like a possibility. It wasn’t just the speed, it was the threat. Starc’s whole aura is built on unpredictability. He keeps you guessing, keeps you uncomfortable. Even when he misses by a few inches, the mind of the batter doesn’t.&nbsp;In this Test, he hit his zones more consistently than he has in years: 13 balls over 145 kmph in the first spell alone. An average swing of 1.6°, his best in Australia since 2021. Seven wickets in the first innings. The message was clear: England didn’t just have to score runs, they had to survive Starc.<h2>Reverse swing at Perth? Starc makes it happen</h2>The turning point came late on day 2 when the ball, surprisingly early, began to reverse. England were 61/1 and starting to settle. Starc sensed it. His length pitched up by just a fraction, his wrist position straightened, and suddenly the ball was bending back into the right-handers at 142–144. Three overs. Ninety-three seconds of chaos. 3/12. It was trademark Starc, the spell that breaks not just stumps, but spirits.<h2>Six years of sustained hostility</h2>Starc’s longevity has become a story of its own. At 35, he should not be bowling like this, not according to the fast-bowling logic we’ve grown up with. But he is, and he has been doing it for nearly six straight years without a dip in pace.Across Tests since 2019: Strike rate: 49 (best among Australian quicks), average speed in first spells: 143.4 kmph, percentage of balls above 140 kmph: 52%, Lead wicket-taker in Australia during this period. These aren’t the numbers of a veteran hanging on, they’re the numbers of a frontline enforcer.&nbsp;What sets him apart is how he uses his left-arm angle. Batters hardly face genuine left-arm pace nowadays, maybe once every few months in international cricket. Against Starc, they face not just the angle but the speed, the swing, and the length that forces decisions. England’s top order, especially, has historically struggled with him: Since 2015, Starc has dismissed English right-handers 48 times in Tests. 33% of those were bowled or LBW, proof of how much they misread his late tail. This Test added five more to that list.<h2>Fitness at 35: The secret behind the speed</h2>Starc’s durability is not an accident. His routine, quietly relentless, is built around sustaining pace: Two days a week dedicated to leg strength, strict recovery windows (he is obsessive about the 48-hour rule), low-impact running to preserve ankles, a highly controlled workload: rarely more than 22 overs in an innings. He has become something like a high-performance machine, tuned to maximise 12–15 overs of impact a day, rather than endurance for its own sake.This Perth Test was the perfect advertisement for that method.<h2>A bowler who lives in the edge-of-the-seat moments</h2>Some bowlers dominate quietly. Starc dominates loudly. When he’s running in: The slips stay lower. The keeper sets deeper. The batter’s back foot shuffles. The commentators fall silent for just a beat longer. His bowling isn’t just fast; it’s cinematic. Every spell feels like it belongs on a highlight montage. It’s the same electricity Wasim Akram carried in the 90s. The same tension Mitchell Johnson brought in 2013. The same sense that one ball could rewrite the next hour.Starc may not have their averages. But he has their aura.<h2>A wicket always around the corner with Starc bowling</h2>By the time he took his 10th wicket, Starc wasn’t celebrating wildly. He doesn’t need to anymore. His spells aren’t about theatrics; they’re about inevitability. This is what separates Starc even now: He doesn’t bowl for pressure. He bowls for breakthroughs. He doesn’t bowl to contain. He bowls to collapse. And at Perth, he collapsed England twice. The first Ashes Test of 2025–26 now belongs to him, a reminder, at 35, that the left-arm enforcer is still Australia’s loudest, fiercest weapon. Still summoning swing from nowhere. Still hitting 140+ like it’s routine. Still making stadiums buzz in his first over. Still making wickets feel one ball away.

Ashes 2025-26: Mitchell Starc — The left-arm enforcer who still makes the Ashes tremble and why a wicket always feel one ball away with him

When Mitchell Starc marks out his run-up for the first over of a Test match, there is always a murmur in the stadium, an unspoken warning that something could happen immediately. Perth knows this better than most. You can feel it in the way the crowd leans forward, the way the slips crouch lower, the way the batter takes that extra breath. It’s a familiar buzz, the kind that tells you: When Starc starts a Test, a wicket is never far away. In the opening Ashes Test of 2025–26, that buzz became prophecy. By stumps on day 1, Starc had taken 7 wickets, and reminded the cricket world that very few left-arm fast bowlers in history can dictate the rhythm of a match like he still can at 35. The buzz, the angle, the spell Perth has always been good to left-arm quicks, but it belongs to Starc. The bounce suits him, the wind suits him, the hardness of the pitch amplifies the violence in his late swing. When he steamed in for the first ball of the series, the ball hit the keeper’s gloves at 147 kmph, thudding into the webbing like a gunshot. Four balls later, Zak Crawley was late on a length delivery that tailed in just enough. Nick to Usman Khawaja, who fumbled but took the catch. The buzz turned into a roar. For the next hour, every delivery felt like a possibility. It wasn’t just the speed, it was the threat. Starc’s whole aura is built on unpredictability. He keeps you guessing, keeps you uncomfortable. Even when he misses by a few inches, the mind of the batter doesn’t. In this Test, he hit his zones more consistently than he has in years: 13 balls over 145 kmph in the first spell alone. An average swing of 1.6°, his best in Australia since 2021. Seven wickets in the first innings. The message was clear: England didn’t just have to score runs, they had to survive Starc. Reverse swing at Perth? Starc makes it happen The turning point came late on day 2 when the ball, surprisingly early, began to reverse. England were 61/1 and starting to settle. Starc sensed it. His length pitched up by just a fraction, his wrist position straightened, and suddenly the ball was bending back into the right-handers at 142–144. Three overs. Ninety-three seconds of chaos. 3/12. It was trademark Starc, the spell that breaks not just stumps, but spirits. Six years of sustained hostility Starc’s longevity has become a story of its own. At 35, he should not be bowling like this, not according to the fast-bowling logic we’ve grown up with. But he is, and he has been doing it for nearly six straight years without a dip in pace. Across Tests since 2019: Strike rate: 49 (best among Australian quicks), average speed in first spells: 143.4 kmph, percentage of balls above 140 kmph: 52%, Lead wicket-taker in Australia during this period. These aren’t the numbers of a veteran hanging on, they’re the numbers of a frontline enforcer. What sets him apart is how he uses his left-arm angle. Batters hardly face genuine left-arm pace nowadays, maybe once every few months in international cricket. Against Starc, they face not just the angle but the speed, the swing, and the length that forces decisions. England’s top order, especially, has historically struggled with him: Since 2015, Starc has dismissed English right-handers 48 times in Tests. 33% of those were bowled or LBW, proof of how much they misread his late tail. This Test added five more to that list. Fitness at 35: The secret behind the speed Starc’s durability is not an accident. His routine, quietly relentless, is built around sustaining pace: Two days a week dedicated to leg strength, strict recovery windows (he is obsessive about the 48-hour rule), low-impact running to preserve ankles, a highly controlled workload: rarely more than 22 overs in an innings. He has become something like a high-performance machine, tuned to maximise 12–15 overs of impact a day, rather than endurance for its own sake. This Perth Test was the perfect advertisement for that method. A bowler who lives in the edge-of-the-seat moments Some bowlers dominate quietly. Starc dominates loudly. When he’s running in: The slips stay lower. The keeper sets deeper. The batter’s back foot shuffles. The commentators fall silent for just a beat longer. His bowling isn’t just fast; it’s cinematic. Every spell feels like it belongs on a highlight montage. It’s the same electricity Wasim Akram carried in the 90s. The same tension Mitchell Johnson brought in 2013. The same sense that one ball could rewrite the next hour. Starc may not have their averages. But he has their aura. A wicket always around the corner with Starc bowling By the time he took his 10th wicket, Starc wasn’t celebrating wildly. He doesn’t need to anymore. His spells aren’t about theatrics; they’re about inevitability. This is what separates Starc even now: He doesn’t bowl for pressure. He bowls for breakthroughs. He doesn’t bowl to contain. He bowls to collapse. And at Perth, he collapsed England twice. The first Ashes Test of 2025–26 now belongs to him, a reminder, at 35, that the left-arm enforcer is still Australia’s loudest, fiercest weapon. Still summoning swing from nowhere. Still hitting 140+ like it’s routine. Still making stadiums buzz in his first over. Still making wickets feel one ball away.

Mitchell Starc’s 10-wicket Ashes burst reaffirms his status as the last great left-arm enforcer, still bowling 140+, still lethal, still a wicket always around the corner

AustrPat Cummins has given Australia a big boost ahead of the Ashes, saying he is hopeful of returning for the second Test at The Gabba on December 4. The Australian captain missed the first Test in Perth because of a lower-back injury, but his recovery over the last week has kept the door open for a comeback. Cummins said he has slowly increased his workload and feels better than he did earlier this month. He bowled several strong sessions in Perth and felt no major discomfort afterwards. Speaking during the broadcast, he said he is ‘half a chance’ to play the next match, depending on how his body responds to a few more training sessions in the coming days. Australia would welcome him back as soon as possible. They are already missing Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of the first two Tests with a hamstring injury and could miss more of the series. Without their main strike bowlers, the selectors have had to rely on less-experienced options, including debutant Brendan Doggett, who impressed with five wickets in his first Test.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-face-nepal-in-blind-women-s-t20-cricket-wc-final-1763817749489">India to face Nepal in blind women's T20 cricket WC final</a>&nbsp;Cummins said the final call will not be rushed. He will speak with the physios, selectors, and team doctors before confirming his availability. He made it clear that he will only play if he feels fully ready and is not worried about being forced into the XI. He also said he wants a better sense of the pitch and match conditions in Brisbane before taking a final decision. If Cummins returns, Doggett is expected to make way despite his good debut. Australia would gain not just their captain but also their most reliable pace bowler, which becomes important with England looking to bounce back in the series. The second Test begins on December 4 at The Gabba, where Cummins has always enjoyed bowling. Australia will hope their skipper leads them out once again as they chase control of the Ashes after the early advantage in Perth.

Australia would welcome Pat Cummins back as soon as possible. They are already missing Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of the first two Tests with a hamstring injury and could miss more of the series. 

AustrPat Cummins has given Australia a big boost ahead of the Ashes, saying he is hopeful of returning for the second Test at The Gabba on December 4. The Australian captain missed the first Test in Perth because of a lower-back injury, but his recovery over the last week has kept the door open for a comeback. Cummins said he has slowly increased his workload and feels better than he did earlier this month. He bowled several strong sessions in Perth and felt no major discomfort afterwards. Speaking during the broadcast, he said he is ‘half a chance’ to play the next match, depending on how his body responds to a few more training sessions in the coming days. Australia would welcome him back as soon as possible. They are already missing Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of the first two Tests with a hamstring injury and could miss more of the series. Without their main strike bowlers, the selectors have had to rely on less-experienced options, including debutant Brendan Doggett, who impressed with five wickets in his first Test. Also read | India to face Nepal in blind women's T20 cricket WC final Cummins said the final call will not be rushed. He will speak with the physios, selectors, and team doctors before confirming his availability. He made it clear that he will only play if he feels fully ready and is not worried about being forced into the XI. He also said he wants a better sense of the pitch and match conditions in Brisbane before taking a final decision. If Cummins returns, Doggett is expected to make way despite his good debut. Australia would gain not just their captain but also their most reliable pace bowler, which becomes important with England looking to bounce back in the series. The second Test begins on December 4 at The Gabba, where Cummins has always enjoyed bowling. Australia will hope their skipper leads them out once again as they chase control of the Ashes after the early advantage in Perth.

Australia would welcome Pat Cummins back as soon as possible. They are already missing Josh Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of the first two Tests with a hamstring injury and could miss more of the series.&nbsp;

Pat Cummins drops BIG update about his Ashes return; here's what we know

Australia crushed England inside two days in Perth, sealing an eight-wicket win on Saturday (Nov 22) that felt sharp and decisive. The match progressed at a remarkable pace, with the fast bowlers controlling almost every session, and by the second afternoon, the result was evident. Ashes Tests rarely finish this quickly anymore, which is why this one will be remembered for a long time.<h2>When was the last time an Ashes Test finished inside two days?</h2>The answer goes back more than a century. The previous two-day Ashes Test was in 1921 at Trent Bridge, where Australia beat England by 10 wickets. Batting first, England were dismissed for 112. Australia replied with 232, and after England fell again for 147, the target was just 30. Jack Gregory and Ted McDonald were the stars of that match, taking eight wickets each. It took 104 years for another Ashes Test to wrap up this fast.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-palash-muchhal-s-surprise-proposal-to-smriti-mandhana-at-world-cup-final-venue-1763733295774">WATCH: Palash Muchhal’s surprise proposal to Smriti Mandhana at World Cup final venue</a>&nbsp;Coming back to Perth, the scenes carried the same intensity. Across just three innings and five sessions, 30 wickets fell for 468 runs in 113 overs. Nineteen of them came on a dramatic opening day where the ball kept moving and neither batting lineup found any stability. England couldn’t build pressure, Australia kept hitting the right areas, and every small partnership felt temporary.&nbsp;Mitchell Starc delivered one of his best Ashes performances with a ten-wicket haul that stopped England from settling at any stage. When Australia needed calm in the chase, Travis Head stepped in with a controlled and confident century in the fourth innings. He removed any tension from the finish and made sure the match didn’t drag into a third day. There was also a lighter moment involving Australia’s choice of opener.<h3>Smith’s decision to open with Travis Head</h3>After the win, captain Steve Smith was asked why Head walked out first in the second innings. Smith joked that they even thought about sending Nathan Lyon to open before finally choosing Head. The move worked smoothly, and Head’s innings justified the call with ease.

The match progressed at a remarkable pace, with the fast bowlers controlling almost every session, and by the second afternoon, the result was evident. Ashes Tests rarely finish this quickly anymore, which is why this one will be remembered for a long time.

Australia crushed England inside two days in Perth, sealing an eight-wicket win on Saturday (Nov 22) that felt sharp and decisive. The match progressed at a remarkable pace, with the fast bowlers controlling almost every session, and by the second afternoon, the result was evident. Ashes Tests rarely finish this quickly anymore, which is why this one will be remembered for a long time. When was the last time an Ashes Test finished inside two days? The answer goes back more than a century. The previous two-day Ashes Test was in 1921 at Trent Bridge, where Australia beat England by 10 wickets. Batting first, England were dismissed for 112. Australia replied with 232, and after England fell again for 147, the target was just 30. Jack Gregory and Ted McDonald were the stars of that match, taking eight wickets each. It took 104 years for another Ashes Test to wrap up this fast. Also read | WATCH: Palash Muchhal’s surprise proposal to Smriti Mandhana at World Cup final venue Coming back to Perth, the scenes carried the same intensity. Across just three innings and five sessions, 30 wickets fell for 468 runs in 113 overs. Nineteen of them came on a dramatic opening day where the ball kept moving and neither batting lineup found any stability. England couldn’t build pressure, Australia kept hitting the right areas, and every small partnership felt temporary. Mitchell Starc delivered one of his best Ashes performances with a ten-wicket haul that stopped England from settling at any stage. When Australia needed calm in the chase, Travis Head stepped in with a controlled and confident century in the fourth innings. He removed any tension from the finish and made sure the match didn’t drag into a third day. There was also a lighter moment involving Australia’s choice of opener. Smith’s decision to open with Travis Head After the win, captain Steve Smith was asked why Head walked out first in the second innings. Smith joked that they even thought about sending Nathan Lyon to open before finally choosing Head. The move worked smoothly, and Head’s innings justified the call with ease.

The match progressed at a remarkable pace, with the fast bowlers controlling almost every session, and by the second afternoon, the result was evident. Ashes Tests rarely finish this quickly anymore, which is why this one will be remembered for a long time.

When was the last time an Ashes test ended inside two days?

Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes 2025-26 Test as they wrapped the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday (Nov 22). With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was for the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series.<h2>Australia wrap Ashes opener</h2>In what was a Test match dominated by bowlers, Travis Head stole the show on Day 2 as he scored 69-ball hundred, one of the fastest in red-ball cricket. He would eventually score 123 off 83 before getting out as Australia wrapped the Test in record time. Jake Weatherald (23) and Marnus Labuschagne (unbeaten 51) also played key roles as the Aussies chased down 205 in 28.2 overs. Brydon Carse scalped both wickets for the hosts as they maintained their 100 percent win record in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having bowled out Australia for 132 in their first innings, England were cruising at 65-1 and building an ominous second-innings lead, but Scott Boland and Starc left them reeling with four wickets in as many overs. A ruthless Boland accounted for Ben Duckett (28), Ollie Pope (33) and Harry Brook (0) in the space of 11 balls, then two deliveries later, Starc sent Joe Root packing for eight.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;When Starc removed skipper Ben Stokes (2), England were flailing at 88-6 and the veteran paceman had bagged a 10-wicket haul for only the third time after his first innings 7-58, a career-best.&nbsp;England were partially rescued by a crucial 50-run stand between Gus Atkinson (37) and Brydon Carse (20) before being rolled for 164 at tea.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 132 with 19 wickets falling on Day 1 of the Perth Test match. England were first bowled out for 172 when Mitchell Starc ended with seven wickets. His career best exploits had seen Australia top of their game before Ben Stokes and Co showed their will in the match, having taken a 40-run lead.&nbsp;However, that lead made no favours as Australia won the match by eight wickets and will now take the field in the second Ashes Test on Dec 4 in Brisbane. In between, England will also have a two-day warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra starting on Nov 29.

With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets.

Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes 2025-26 Test as they wrapped the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday (Nov 22). With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was for the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series. Australia wrap Ashes opener In what was a Test match dominated by bowlers, Travis Head stole the show on Day 2 as he scored 69-ball hundred, one of the fastest in red-ball cricket. He would eventually score 123 off 83 before getting out as Australia wrapped the Test in record time. Jake Weatherald (23) and Marnus Labuschagne (unbeaten 51) also played key roles as the Aussies chased down 205 in 28.2 overs. Brydon Carse scalped both wickets for the hosts as they maintained their 100 percent win record in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. Having bowled out Australia for 132 in their first innings, England were cruising at 65-1 and building an ominous second-innings lead, but Scott Boland and Starc left them reeling with four wickets in as many overs. A ruthless Boland accounted for Ben Duckett (28), Ollie Pope (33) and Harry Brook (0) in the space of 11 balls, then two deliveries later, Starc sent Joe Root packing for eight. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes When Starc removed skipper Ben Stokes (2), England were flailing at 88-6 and the veteran paceman had bagged a 10-wicket haul for only the third time after his first innings 7-58, a career-best. England were partially rescued by a crucial 50-run stand between Gus Atkinson (37) and Brydon Carse (20) before being rolled for 164 at tea. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 132 with 19 wickets falling on Day 1 of the Perth Test match. England were first bowled out for 172 when Mitchell Starc ended with seven wickets. His career best exploits had seen Australia top of their game before Ben Stokes and Co showed their will in the match, having taken a 40-run lead. However, that lead made no favours as Australia won the match by eight wickets and will now take the field in the second Ashes Test on Dec 4 in Brisbane. In between, England will also have a two-day warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra starting on Nov 29.

With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets.

Ashes 2025-26: Starc, Head wreak havoc as Australia wrap Perth opener on Day 2, take 1-0 lead

Mitchell Starc is on fire in the ongoing opening Test of the Ashes 2025-26 as he continued to impress on Day 2 as well. Having scalped seven wickets to get his career best figures, he was at his tricks again on Saturday (Nov 22) at the Optus Stadium in Perth. For the second straight innings, he dismissed English opener Zak Crawley for a duck, having also done so in the first innings. However, it was Starc’s effort to clutch Crawley that made the headlines when he completed the return catch.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">WHAT A RIDICULOUS TAKE! Mitchell Starc sends Zak Crawley off for a pair! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayoftheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayoftheDay</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/1cg8PtLzx4">pic.twitter.com/1cg8PtLzx4</a>&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1992068250847400008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Starc continues magical run</h2>Having bowled out Australia for 132, England wanted to make a positive start, but those plans were put to the sword as early as the first over again. Starc, having got the better of Crawley on the final ball of the opening over, this time repeated the trick with another first-over duck for the English batter. This time it came on the fifth ball of the opening over in the second innings.&nbsp;However, it was the manner of the catch that made headlines as Starc had to complete a return one to clutch the ball. A return ball from Crawley was heading for a straight drive, but Starc dived to his left to complete a superb catch.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The Aussie pacer has already been in great form and could have completed a 10-wicket haul in the match, but Usman Khawaja failed to catch Jamie Smith’s edge in the 20th over. At the time of writing, Starc had nine wickets in the match, including two in the second innings. He also got the better of Joe Root again as he made eight runs in the second innings, having failed to break the duck in the first.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;At the time of writing, England were 83/5 in 23 overs with captain Ben Stokes (1) and Jamie Smith (6) in the middle. Overall, England were leading by 123 runs with five wickets in hand in the second innings. Despite being 65/1 at one stage, the visitors lost control and were 76/5. They lost four wickets in the span of 11 runs.

For the second straight innings, he dismissed English opener Zak Crawley for a duck, having also done so in the first innings. However, it was Mitchell Starc’s effort to clutch Crawley that made the headlines when he completed the return catch.

Mitchell Starc is on fire in the ongoing opening Test of the Ashes 2025-26 as he continued to impress on Day 2 as well. Having scalped seven wickets to get his career best figures, he was at his tricks again on Saturday (Nov 22) at the Optus Stadium in Perth. For the second straight innings, he dismissed English opener Zak Crawley for a duck, having also done so in the first innings. However, it was Starc’s effort to clutch Crawley that made the headlines when he completed the return catch.

For the second straight innings, he dismissed English opener Zak Crawley for a duck, having also done so in the first innings. However, it was Mitchell Starc’s effort to clutch Crawley that made the headlines when he completed the return catch.

Watch: Mitchell Starc clutches one-handed stunner as Zak Crawley fails to break the duck in Perth Test

The first day of the Ashes 2025-26 in Perth on November 21 has been all about pace and best (brutal) ball from Mark Wood who was easily the fastest from both sides. The moment came in the 24th over of Australia's batting when all-rounder Cameron Green was sent back tumbling after being hit on the helmet visor. The ball was 147 kmph delivery and caught 6 feet 6-inch batter completely off-guard. Green did well to not fall but the ball was clearly as brutal as a pacy, nasty bouncer can get.<h2>Wood sends Green tumbling off rocket bouncer</h2>The Aussie all-rounder was hit face-on on the visor and immediately took his helmet off for a mandatory concussion check. Thankfully, no damage was done. Have a look at the ball below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://t.co/JUIjwgaDti">pic.twitter.com/JUIjwgaDti</a>&mdash; Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) <a href="https://twitter.com/45kennyat7PM/status/1991789192658227256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Green went on to play for 24 balls more and added 18 runs to his personal score before being dismissed on 24 runs by Ben Stokes. He was the sixth Australian wicket to fall with team score being 83 at the moment.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-eng-vs-aus-1st-test-score-express-bowling-poor-batting-headline-19-wicket-opening-day-in-perth-1763719286374">Ashes, 1st Test: Express bowling, poor batting headline 19-wicket opening day in Perth</a><h2>England rattle Australia after poor batting</h2>After England were bowled out for 172 runs, they started just the opposite way with the ball as Jofra Archer sent back debutant Jake Weatherald for a two-ball duck. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then added 28 runs for the second wicket before England struck thrice inside three overs to bring Australia down to 31/4. Travis Head and Green added 45 runs for the fifth wicket but skipper Stokes dismissed the former to break the partnership. From 76/4, Australia quickly became 121/9 in space of nearly eight overs as Stokes completed a sensational five-for.&nbsp;At the stumps on day 1, Australia were 123/9 with Nathan Lyon and Brendan Doggett on the crease with the home side still 49 runs behind England's first innings total.

The moment came in the 24th over of Australia's batting when all-rounder Cameron Green was sent back tumbling after being hit on the helmet visor. The Aussie all-rounder was hit face-on and immediately took his helmet off for a mandatory concussion check. Thankfully, no damage was done.

The first day of the Ashes 2025-26 in Perth on November 21 has been all about pace and best (brutal) ball from Mark Wood who was easily the fastest from both sides. The moment came in the 24th over of Australia's batting when all-rounder Cameron Green was sent back tumbling after being hit on the helmet visor. The ball was 147 kmph delivery and caught 6 feet 6-inch batter completely off-guard. Green did well to not fall but the ball was clearly as brutal as a pacy, nasty bouncer can get. Wood sends Green tumbling off rocket bouncer The Aussie all-rounder was hit face-on on the visor and immediately took his helmet off for a mandatory concussion check. Thankfully, no damage was done. Have a look at the ball below:

The moment came in the 24th over of Australia's batting when all-rounder Cameron Green was sent back tumbling after being hit on the helmet visor. The Aussie all-rounder was hit face-on and immediately took his helmet off for a mandatory concussion check. Thankfully, no damage was done.

Ashes 1st Test: Mark Wood sends 6-foot-6 Camron Green tumbling with 147 kmph bouncer - WATCH

Express bowling and poor batting from both England and Australia headlined day 1 of the Ashes opener in Perth on Friday (Nov 21). A total of 19 wickets fell on the day for 295 total between both the teams. All 19 wickets fell to pace bowlers with Mitchell Starc taking 7/58 for Australia and Ben Stokes taking 5/23 for England. At the stumps, Australia were 123/9 with still 59 runs needed to level England's first innings total of 172. Harry Brook's 52 was the highest score by a batter across both teams.<h2>England rattle Australia after poor batting</h2>After England were bowled out for 172 runs, they started just the opposite way with the ball as Jofra Archer sent back debutant Jake Weatherald for a two-ball duck. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then added 28 runs for the second wicket before England struck thrice inside three overs to bring Australia down to 31/4. Travis Head and Green added 45 runs for the fifth wicket but skipper Stokes dismissed the former to break the partnership. From 76/4, Australia quickly became 121/9 in space of nearly eight overs as Stokes completed a sensational five-for.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2025-26-why-usman-khawaja-did-not-open-australia-innings-in-perth-1763711668844">Ashes: Why Usman Khawaja did not open Australia innings in Perth?</a><h2>Starc sinks England with career-best figures</h2>Australia were without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood but Starc remined everyone of his presence in the very first over by sending Zak Crawley back for duck. He took two more wickets in his first spell of six overs including Joe Root who got out on a duck. The left-arm pacer bowled two more overs before lunch in his second spell for just seven runs. Once he retuned post lunch for the third spell, he took four more wickets including Ben Stokes as well to finish with the figures of 12.5-4-58-7.

A total of 19 wickets fell on the day for 295 total between both the teams. At the stumps, Australia were 123/9 with still 59 runs needed to level England's first innings total of 172. Harry Brook's 52 was the highest score by a batter across both teams.

Express bowling and poor batting from both England and Australia headlined day 1 of the Ashes opener in Perth on Friday (Nov 21). A total of 19 wickets fell on the day for 295 total between both the teams. All 19 wickets fell to pace bowlers with Mitchell Starc taking 7/58 for Australia and Ben Stokes taking 5/23 for England. At the stumps, Australia were 123/9 with still 59 runs needed to level England's first innings total of 172. Harry Brook's 52 was the highest score by a batter across both teams. England rattle Australia after poor batting After England were bowled out for 172 runs, they started just the opposite way with the ball as Jofra Archer sent back debutant Jake Weatherald for a two-ball duck. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then added 28 runs for the second wicket before England struck thrice inside three overs to bring Australia down to 31/4. Travis Head and Green added 45 runs for the fifth wicket but skipper Stokes dismissed the former to break the partnership. From 76/4, Australia quickly became 121/9 in space of nearly eight overs as Stokes completed a sensational five-for. Also Read - Ashes: Why Usman Khawaja did not open Australia innings in Perth? Starc sinks England with career-best figures Australia were without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood but Starc remined everyone of his presence in the very first over by sending Zak Crawley back for duck. He took two more wickets in his first spell of six overs including Joe Root who got out on a duck. The left-arm pacer bowled two more overs before lunch in his second spell for just seven runs. Once he retuned post lunch for the third spell, he took four more wickets including Ben Stokes as well to finish with the figures of 12.5-4-58-7.

A total of 19 wickets fell on the day for 295 total between both the teams. At the stumps, Australia were 123/9 with still 59 runs needed to level England's first innings total of 172. Harry Brook's 52 was the highest score by a batter across both teams.

Ashes, 1st Test: Express bowling, poor batting headline 19-wicket opening day in Perth

It was a new Ashes but the same old story for former England captain and batter Joe Root on the opening day of the latest series on Friday (Nov 21). Playing at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Root was dismissed for a seven-ball duck, meaning his poor form continues on the Aussie soil. He was dismissed by the very impressive Mitchell Starc as he wreaked havoc with seven wickets to bowl the English side out for 172 before the Aussie batter had their own struggle with the bat.<h2>Root continues poor form Down Under</h2>Having come out to bat in the seventh over when the score was 33/2, it was the perfect platform for Root to capitalise. However, fortunes had something else written for him as he faced Starc on his territory. However, on the fifth ball of the ninth over, Root’s defense was done for good as he was caught by Marnus Labuschagne for a duck.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;This meant Root could not add to his tally on what is his 15th Test in Australia. In 14 previous Tests, he has amassed just 892 runs at a modest average of 35.68. Despite being one of the best batters of all time and ranking second for most Test runs in the world after Sachin Tendulkar, Root is yet to break his duck for a ton in the red-ball format Down Under. His highest score, standing at 89 at the Gabba in 2021 – a knock that hinted at triumph, but ultimately fell short, remains the closest to a ton.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;The right-hander has passed 50 on nine occasions — and registered three scores in the 80s — yet has never gone on to make a century.&nbsp;He will have a maximum of nine more innings in what probably could be his last tour to Australia to find the missing piece in the puzzle. &nbsp;

Despite being one of the best batters of all time and ranking second for most Test runs in the world after Sachin Tendulkar, Joe Root is yet to break his duck for a ton in the red-ball format Down Under. 

It was a new Ashes but the same old story for former England captain and batter Joe Root on the opening day of the latest series on Friday (Nov 21). Playing at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Root was dismissed for a seven-ball duck, meaning his poor form continues on the Aussie soil. He was dismissed by the very impressive Mitchell Starc as he wreaked havoc with seven wickets to bowl the English side out for 172 before the Aussie batter had their own struggle with the bat. Root continues poor form Down Under Having come out to bat in the seventh over when the score was 33/2, it was the perfect platform for Root to capitalise. However, fortunes had something else written for him as he faced Starc on his territory. However, on the fifth ball of the ninth over, Root’s defense was done for good as he was caught by Marnus Labuschagne for a duck. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes This meant Root could not add to his tally on what is his 15th Test in Australia. In 14 previous Tests, he has amassed just 892 runs at a modest average of 35.68. Despite being one of the best batters of all time and ranking second for most Test runs in the world after Sachin Tendulkar, Root is yet to break his duck for a ton in the red-ball format Down Under. His highest score, standing at 89 at the Gabba in 2021 – a knock that hinted at triumph, but ultimately fell short, remains the closest to a ton. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes The right-hander has passed 50 on nine occasions — and registered three scores in the 80s — yet has never gone on to make a century. He will have a maximum of nine more innings in what probably could be his last tour to Australia to find the missing piece in the puzzle.

Despite being one of the best batters of all time and ranking second for most Test runs in the world after Sachin Tendulkar, Joe Root is yet to break his duck for a ton in the red-ball format Down Under.&nbsp;

New Ashes, same old Joe Root! England batter falls for duck as lacklustre Down Under form continues to haunt

Australia batter Usman Khawaja was not allowed to open the batting in Ashes opener in Perth on day 1 (Nov) after spending too much off the field. Khawaja was off the field when the last England wicket fell which meant he could not open as per ICC rules. According to rules, after failing to be on the field for the last wicket, a batter has to spent at least 10 minutes off the pitch before becoming eligible to bat. Thus, Khawaja could not even come to bat at number three when Jake Weatherald fell for a duck on debut in the first over of innings.<h2>England strike back with searing pace</h2>After England won the toss and elected to field first, they were bowled out for 172 runs before tea. The visitors, however, struck back strongly with the ball with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2025-26-balance-lost-awkward-fall-and-decision-is-out-archer-owns-weatherald-on-debut-watch-1763709180331">Archer dismissing Weatherald</a> in the first over itself. Australia took 28 balls to score their first run and were 15/1 going into tea on the opening day. After tea, England struck twice inside six overs, sending back both Marnus Labuschagne (9 off 41) and Steve Smith (17 off 49) to being Australia down to 31/3.Also Check - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-1st-test-perth-mitchell-starc-delivers-nightmare-even-before-dawn-in-england-watch-1763706220040">Ashes: WATCH | Starc delivers nightmare even before dawn in England</a><h2>Batting woes continue for England</h2>After winning the toss and electing to bat first, England batter failed to take advantage of a decent pitch. After losing first three wickets for 39 runs, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook tried to give them some stability with a 55-run partnership before returning all-rounder Green removed Pope in his very first over.England went into lunch at 105/4 and Mitchell Starc clean bowled skipper Ben Stokes early into the second session. A 45-run partnership between Brook (53) and Jamie Smith (33 off 22) took England past 150. Aussie debutant Brendan Doggett, however, removed Brook for his first international wicket as England lost last five wickets for just 12 runs in another collapse and were bowled out under 33 overs.

Khawaja was off the field when the last England wicket fell which meant he could not open as per ICC rules. According to rules, after failing to be on the field for the last wicket, a batter has to spent at least 10 minutes off the pitch before becoming eligible to bat.

Australia batter Usman Khawaja was not allowed to open the batting in Ashes opener in Perth on day 1 (Nov) after spending too much off the field. Khawaja was off the field when the last England wicket fell which meant he could not open as per ICC rules. According to rules, after failing to be on the field for the last wicket, a batter has to spent at least 10 minutes off the pitch before becoming eligible to bat. Thus, Khawaja could not even come to bat at number three when Jake Weatherald fell for a duck on debut in the first over of innings. England strike back with searing pace After England won the toss and elected to field first, they were bowled out for 172 runs before tea. The visitors, however, struck back strongly with the ball with Archer dismissing Weatherald in the first over itself. Australia took 28 balls to score their first run and were 15/1 going into tea on the opening day. After tea, England struck twice inside six overs, sending back both Marnus Labuschagne (9 off 41) and Steve Smith (17 off 49) to being Australia down to 31/3. Also Check - Ashes: WATCH | Starc delivers nightmare even before dawn in England Batting woes continue for England After winning the toss and electing to bat first, England batter failed to take advantage of a decent pitch. After losing first three wickets for 39 runs, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook tried to give them some stability with a 55-run partnership before returning all-rounder Green removed Pope in his very first over. England went into lunch at 105/4 and Mitchell Starc clean bowled skipper Ben Stokes early into the second session. A 45-run partnership between Brook (53) and Jamie Smith (33 off 22) took England past 150. Aussie debutant Brendan Doggett, however, removed Brook for his first international wicket as England lost last five wickets for just 12 runs in another collapse and were bowled out under 33 overs.

Khawaja was off the field when the last England wicket fell which meant he could not open as per ICC rules. According to rules, after failing to be on the field for the last wicket, a batter has to spent at least 10 minutes off the pitch before becoming eligible to bat.

Ashes 2025-26: Why Usman Khawaja did not open Australia innings in Perth?

After England were bowled out for a paltry 172 runs in the first innings of Ashes opener on day 1 (Nov 21), Jofra Archer made Australia taste their own medicine. The England quick took just two balls to scalp out the first Australia wicket, sending back debutant Jake Weatherald for a duck on his Test debut. The frantic opening day saw 11 wickets fall by tea with Australia trailing by 157 runs and Steve Smith on crease along with Marnus Labuschagne.<h2>Archer owns Weatherald on debut</h2>31-year-old Jake Weatherald had to face one of the toughest bowlers for his maiden innings and it did not go as he would liked. The first ball was outside off which Weatherald missed and failed to connect. On the second ball, Archer bowled a full delivery on the long stump. Trying to flick the ball, Weatherald lost balance as the ball hit the pads and he hit the ground. The on-field umpire gave it not out but England chose to review and rightfully so as the DRS showed ball hitting the stumps. Have a look at the video below:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Jofra Archer dismissed debutant Jake Weatherald with the second ball of the innings after this call was overturned. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DRSChallenge?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DRSChallenge</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/Westpac?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@westpac</a> <a href="https://t.co/7jtf1JpJlD">pic.twitter.com/7jtf1JpJlD</a>&mdash; cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1991754693798670730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Starc seven-for dismantles England</h2>Earlier, England failed to perform after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Mitchell <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-1st-test-perth-mitchell-starc-delivers-nightmare-even-before-dawn-in-england-watch-1763706220040">Starc was destroyer-in-chief with 7/58</a> - the best bowling figures by a left-arm pacer since 1990 in Australia Ashes after losing the toss. Among England batters, only Harry Brook (52), Ollie Pope (46), and Jamie Smith (33 off 22) could have an impact up to extent.England went into lunch at 105/4 and Starc clean bowled skipper Ben Stokes early into the second session. A 45-run partnership between Brook and Smith took England past 150. Aussie debutant Brendan Doggett, however, removed Brook for his first international wicket as England lost last five wickets for just 12 runs in another collapse and were bowled out under 33 overs.&nbsp;

The England quick took just two balls to scalp out the first Australia wicket, sending back debutant Jake Weatherald for a duck on his Test debut. The frantic opening day saw 11 wickets fall by tea with Australia trailing by 157 runs and Steve Smith on crease along with Marnus Labuschagne.

After England were bowled out for a paltry 172 runs in the first innings of Ashes opener on day 1 (Nov 21), Jofra Archer made Australia taste their own medicine. The England quick took just two balls to scalp out the first Australia wicket, sending back debutant Jake Weatherald for a duck on his Test debut. The frantic opening day saw 11 wickets fall by tea with Australia trailing by 157 runs and Steve Smith on crease along with Marnus Labuschagne. Archer owns Weatherald on debut 31-year-old Jake Weatherald had to face one of the toughest bowlers for his maiden innings and it did not go as he would liked. The first ball was outside off which Weatherald missed and failed to connect. On the second ball, Archer bowled a full delivery on the long stump. Trying to flick the ball, Weatherald lost balance as the ball hit the pads and he hit the ground. The on-field umpire gave it not out but England chose to review and rightfully so as the DRS showed ball hitting the stumps. Have a look at the video below:

The England quick took just two balls to scalp out the first Australia wicket, sending back debutant Jake Weatherald for a duck on his Test debut. The frantic opening day saw 11 wickets fall by tea with Australia trailing by 157 runs and Steve Smith on crease along with Marnus Labuschagne.

Ashes 2025-26: Balance lost, awkward fall and decision is out - Archer owns Weatherald on debut - WATCH

History was scripted at the Ashes 2025-26 opener on Friday (Nov 21) as both Australia and England went down into the record books for the wrong reasons. While Mitchell Starc was on fire with a seven-wicket haul, it was the opening batters from both sides that went into the record books. The unwanted record was the first time since the birth of the Ashes in 1882 and was the talk of the town at the Optus Stadium in Perth.<h2>Openers register unwanted feat</h2>For the first time in the history of Ashes Tests since 1882, an opening partnership has recorded zero in the first innings for both teams. Having opted to bat first after winning the toss, England batter Zak Crawley was dismissed on the final ball of the opening over of the Ashes when the duck was yet to be broken on the scorecard. Crawley was dismissed after Usman Khawaja caught the catch in slips as Starc was on fire.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Fast forward to Australia’s first innings in the second session after England were bowled out for 172, it was the hosts who were on the receiving end. Jake Weatherald, on debut, was dismissed for a second-ball duck by Jofra Archer. His lbw wicket meant, for the first time in the history of the Ashes, both innings of an Ashes match started with a zero-run partnership.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>Starc wrecks havoc</h2>Having got the better of Crawley in the opening over, the legendary Aussie bowler continued his exploits with the ball as he helped bowl out England for 172. Starc’s prey on the day were Ben Duckett (21), Joe Root (0), Ben Stokes (6), Jamie Smith (33), Gus Atkinson (1) and Mark Wood (0). His exploits meant it was his best bowling figures in the red-ball format.&nbsp;At the time of writing, Australia started their second innings and were 15/1 in 10 overs.

Having opted to bat first after winning the toss, England batter Zak Crawley was dismissed on the final ball of the opening over of the Ashes when the duck was yet to be broken on the scorecard.

History was scripted at the Ashes 2025-26 opener on Friday (Nov 21) as both Australia and England went down into the record books for the wrong reasons. While Mitchell Starc was on fire with a seven-wicket haul, it was the opening batters from both sides that went into the record books. The unwanted record was the first time since the birth of the Ashes in 1882 and was the talk of the town at the Optus Stadium in Perth. Openers register unwanted feat For the first time in the history of Ashes Tests since 1882, an opening partnership has recorded zero in the first innings for both teams. Having opted to bat first after winning the toss, England batter Zak Crawley was dismissed on the final ball of the opening over of the Ashes when the duck was yet to be broken on the scorecard. Crawley was dismissed after Usman Khawaja caught the catch in slips as Starc was on fire. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Fast forward to Australia’s first innings in the second session after England were bowled out for 172, it was the hosts who were on the receiving end. Jake Weatherald, on debut, was dismissed for a second-ball duck by Jofra Archer. His lbw wicket meant, for the first time in the history of the Ashes, both innings of an Ashes match started with a zero-run partnership. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Starc wrecks havoc Having got the better of Crawley in the opening over, the legendary Aussie bowler continued his exploits with the ball as he helped bowl out England for 172. Starc’s prey on the day were Ben Duckett (21), Joe Root (0), Ben Stokes (6), Jamie Smith (33), Gus Atkinson (1) and Mark Wood (0). His exploits meant it was his best bowling figures in the red-ball format. At the time of writing, Australia started their second innings and were 15/1 in 10 overs.

Having opted to bat first after winning the toss, England batter Zak Crawley was dismissed on the final ball of the opening over of the Ashes when the duck was yet to be broken on the scorecard.

Unbelievable! History scripted at Ashes as Australia-England openers register THIS unwanted feat

Mitchell Starc finished with the figures of 7/58 on day 1 (Nov 21) of the Ashes opener in Perth as England crumbled to a below-par first innings total of 172. The nightmare started even before dawn in England as Starc sent back Zak Crawley in the very first over for a duck. The match started 10:20 AM local time in Perth and England fans were half-way into the midnight sleep at 2:20 AM at home. By the time clock hit 11 am in England, their team was back in dressing room to get ready for fielding.<h2>Starc delivers best performance by a left-arm pacer in Australia since 1990</h2>Starc's figures of 7/58 are the best by a left-arm in Ashes Down Under after losing the toss since Bruce Reid's 7/51 in Boxing Day Test in December 1990. Overall, Starc's figures the third best by a left-arm Australia pacer in an innings in Ashes behind Mitchell Johnson's 7/40 and Reid.Starc's biggest wicket of the morning came nearly two overs later as he sent back star England batter Joe Root for a duck. With the wicket, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2025-26-starc-starts-off-breathing-fire-and-england-not-able-to-deal-with-heat-1763696386221">Starc also completed 100 wickets in the Ashes</a>.

Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-2026-277-players-to-undergo-bidding-on-november-27-for-73-slots-check-all-details-1763700097197">WPL 2026: 277 players to undergo bidding on November 27 for 73 slots - Check all details</a><h2>Batting woes continue for England</h2>After winning the toss and electing to bat first, England batter failed to take advantage of a decent pitch. After losing first three wickets for 39 runs, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook tried to give them some stability with a 55-run partnership before returning all-rounder Green removed Pope in his very first over.England went into lunch at 105/4 and Mitchell Starc clean bowled skipper Ben Stokes early into the second session. A 45-run partnership between Brook (53) and Jamie Smith (33 off 22) took England past 150. Aussie debutant Brendan Doggett, however, removed Brook for his first international wicket as England lost last five wickets for just 12 runs in another collapse and were bowled out under 33 overs.

Starc's figures of 7/58 are the best by a left-arm in Ashes Down Under after losing the toss since Bruce Reid's 7/51 in Boxing Day Test in December 1990. Thanks to him, England finished their first innings in Ashes opener for just 172 runs.

Mitchell Starc finished with the figures of 7/58 on day 1 (Nov 21) of the Ashes opener in Perth as England crumbled to a below-par first innings total of 172. The nightmare started even before dawn in England as Starc sent back Zak Crawley in the very first over for a duck. The match started 10:20 AM local time in Perth and England fans were half-way into the midnight sleep at 2:20 AM at home. By the time clock hit 11 am in England, their team was back in dressing room to get ready for fielding. Starc delivers best performance by a left-arm pacer in Australia since 1990 Starc's figures of 7/58 are the best by a left-arm in Ashes Down Under after losing the toss since Bruce Reid's 7/51 in Boxing Day Test in December 1990. Overall, Starc's figures the third best by a left-arm Australia pacer in an innings in Ashes behind Mitchell Johnson's 7/40 and Reid. Starc's biggest wicket of the morning came nearly two overs later as he sent back star England batter Joe Root for a duck. With the wicket, Starc also completed 100 wickets in the Ashes.

Starc's figures of 7/58 are the best by a left-arm in Ashes Down Under after losing the toss since Bruce Reid's 7/51 in Boxing Day Test in December 1990. Thanks to him, England finished their first innings in Ashes opener for just 172 runs.

Ashes 2025-26: Mitchell Starc delivers nightmare in Perth even before dawn in England - WATCH

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