The hosts staggered to 123 for nine at stumps on the first day in Perth, still 49 runs behind England's 172, despite Mitchell Starc's career best figures of seven for 58.

Nineteen wickets fell on a rollercoaster opening day of the first Ashes Test, with Australia going from the penthouse to the outhouse as their batting was left in complete disarray by the tourists.

As England's five-man bowling unit ran riot on the opening day at Perth, the thought occurred that they may never have had at their disposal a more threatening attack.

The hosts staggered to 123 for nine at stumps on the first day in Perth, still 49 runs behind England's 172, despite Mitchell Starc's career best figures of seven for 58.

Smith had gone for a series of big shots, but played and missed on several occasions, was struck on both his elbow and hand, and survived after a top edge before being dismissed.

LAWRENCE BOOTH IN PERTH: An electric display from England's five-man pace attack, led by five wickets for Ben Stokes , turned a thrilling opening day on its head.

The 2025-26 Ashes will be the 73rd instalment of the famous series. Cricket has changed tremendously in that time, and the players' partners now command plenty of the spotlight, too.

Brydon Carse praised England's 'unbelievable' captain Ben Stokes for turning the most dramatic opening day to an Ashes series in living memory the way of the tourists.

Vaughan reckons England's bowling cartel have already opened up 'scars' on Australia's batters following a gripping first day of the Ashes series in Perth.

Recap how all the action unfolded on the first day of the Ashes.

Play was forced to stop mid-delivery as a powerful earthquake jolted Dhaka, freezing a Test match and sending players and fans scrambling for safety.