The first day of the Ashes exploded into life at Optus Stadium, delivering chaos, drama and a scorecard that looked more like a highlights reel than a Test match. The opening day was frantic, unpredictable and strangely reminiscent of last year’s India–Australia Test at this very venue, where the pitch behaved almost identically and produced a similarly dramatic collapse. Here is a recap of AUS vs ENG opening day of the Ashes 2025 test series and what to expect on the second day of this scintillating test match.
What happened on Day One?
England’s innings began with immediate trouble as Mitchell Starc tore through the top order. Zak Crawley and Joe Root were removed early, and Ben Duckett’s promising start ended quickly. Ollie Pope steadied the innings with a positive 46, playing some fluent strokes before falling at a crucial moment.
Harry Brook continued the counterattack after Pope’s dismissal, timing the ball well and putting pressure back on Australia as he moved confidently towards fifty. But once Brook fell soon after reaching his milestone, England’s innings unraveled again, with the remaining wickets tumbling in quick succession to leave them at 172 all out.
Australia’s reply began even more shakily. Usman Khawaja survived only a few minutes before falling early. Marnus Labuschagne had the strangest dismissal of the day, attempting to leave a rising delivery only for the ball to brush his bat and deflect onto the stumps. Steven Smith battled through a painful blow from Archer but eventually edged behind while playing a shot he did not need to offer.
Travis Head was undone by England’s short-ball trap and picked out mid-on exactly as the field had been set for him. Alex Carey then played the most reckless shot of the innings, upper-cutting straight to deep third man with only a couple of overs left in the session, and Boland followed him immediately.
Most of these wickets were not forced by brilliance but by Australia’s own mistakes, repeatedly putting themselves under pressure. Ben Stokes, introduced as England’s fifth bowler, bowled just a short six-over spell but completely changed the innings, picking up a five-for as Australia kept gifting wickets.
Also Read: Mitchell Starc Rips Through England with Career-Best 7-Wicket Haul
How the Pitch Played on Day 1 of AUS vs ENG Ashes Test
The surface behaved exactly like a youthful Perth drop-in. The early session offered lively bounce and seam movement, with the ball climbing awkwardly from similar lengths. Batting never felt secure. Even as the day went on, the pitch continued to show sharp variation and enough pace to trouble batters, although the extreme movement of the first hour slowly eased.
It was a day shaped by movement off the deck, unpredictable bounce and the kind of new-ball behaviour Perth has become known for.
When India Played Here Last: A Familiar Pattern
The resemblance to last year’s India match is striking. That Test also saw a flurry of first-day wickets, with India getting bowled out and Australia collapsing to 67 for 7 and eventually 104 all out the next morning. As soon as India came out to bat in the second innings, the pitch had transformed. Scoring became easier, timing returned, and the same bowlers who terrorised batters on Day 1 suddenly looked far less threatening.
This match has followed the same script so far. Early destruction. A pitch that looks dangerous when fresh. A huge wicket count on Day 1. And signs that it may flatten as the match moves into Day 2 and Day 3.
What to expect on Day Two of AUS vs ENG 1st Test
Australia are 9 down and could lose their last wicket almost immediately, bringing England back to the crease on a pitch that should begin settling. The early overs will still have movement because of overnight moisture, but once the sun strengthens the surface is expected to calm down.
If England’s top order can survive the first one or two hours, conditions should become far more manageable. That scenario would put them in a commanding position to stretch their lead and push for a decisive advantage in the match.
It also matters that Australia are already without 2 first-choice quicks for this match. With Cummins and Hazlewood unavailable, the hosts lack the kind of sustained discipline their attack usually carries, and this Test presents England with a rare opening. They have won the tactical battle so far, and if their batters handle the early challenge on Day 2, England could find themselves perfectly placed to go 1–0 up in the Ashes.
