Chaos in Perth as 19 Wickets Fall on Dramatic Ashes Opening Day
The first day of the highly anticipated 2025-26 Ashes series in Perth was nothing short of spectacular, with a staggering 19 wickets tumbling as England seized the early initiative. The hosts, Australia, ended the day at 123/9, still trailing England's first innings total by 49 runs.
Michael Vaughan's Verdict: England Win Day One
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was effusive in his praise for the day's play, declaring that he "loved it from start to finish." In his column for The Telegraph, Vaughan stated that England had won the first day's play. He marvelled at the unique energy of the Ashes, noting the incredible support from both travelling English fans and the home crowd.
"Test cricket is great, but no other series feels like this," Vaughan wrote. "I have been involved in the Ashes for a long time, and I cannot remember an opening day with the energy and excitement of this one."
A Long Way to Go, But England Are On Top
Vaughan was quick to inject a note of caution amidst the English euphoria. He emphasised that while England are firmly on top, the Ashes are far from won on the opening day. "There is a long way to go in this match, and even further in this series," he warned. "They are on top right now, but the Ashes are not won on the opening day. Far from it, and they need to keep their heads."
He urged the English team to maintain their pressure and not allow Australia a way back into the game, drawing parallels to a previous series where India won in Perth but Australia calmly bounced back to win the series.
Australia's Batting Woes Against Quality Pace Exposed
The 2005 Ashes-winning captain also pointed out a recurring weakness in the Australian batting line-up. Vaughan highlighted that Australia have a long-running problem facing proper quick bowling. He referenced Jasprit Bumrah's dominant series the previous summer and Shamar Joseph's exploits a couple of years ago as evidence that the signs of this struggle have been visible for some time.
"When they come up against quick bowling on a surface with a bit in it, they will struggle," Vaughan concluded, suggesting that none of his Australian colleagues were surprised by the batting collapse.
The day was also marked by a brilliant bowling performance from England's captain, Ben Stokes, who took five wickets, signalling a fierce contest ahead in this historic series.
