The much-anticipated Ashes 2025-26 series got underway on November 21, 2025, at Perth Stadium with Australia hosting England for the first Test. Known for its seaming and bouncy track, Perth offered a classic contest between bat and ball. England, having won the toss, elected to bat first, setting the stage for an intense battle between the two arch-rivals in this historic cricket rivalry.
Usman Khawaja falls to a fiery Brydon Carse snorter on the opening day in Perth
England’s pacer Brydon Carse made a significant impact on Day 1 with an aggressive and hostile spell of fast bowling. The highlight came in the 17.2 over when Carse delivered a sharp, steep bouncing bouncer to Usman Khawaja, who was caught behind by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
The ball showed wobble seam movement, struck the pitch hard, and climbed sharply, catching Khawaja off guard as he snapped his head back and edged it to the keeper. This wicket was crucial as Khawaja could only manage 2 runs off 6 balls in a fragile Australian innings of 49/4 at that stage. Carse’s hostile bowling spell reflected England’s rhythm and intent on the lively Perth pitch, putting Australia on the back foot early in their innings.
Here’s the video:
Carse produced an absolute peach there — nigh-on unplayable — and Khawaja could only feather it through to the keeper. A quality wicket for Carse. Full drama #Ashes #Ashes2025 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/c8laUbCnWL
— Jatt khaira (@Starrr675366) November 21, 2025
Australia’s wobbly start against England in the Ashes 2025-26 opener
Following a strong performance by England’s batting lineup which posted 172 all out in 32.5 overs, Australia had a shaky start to their reply. The visitors’ innings was marked by early wickets and inconsistent running between the wickets. Australia lost Jake Weatherald early for a duck, and Marnus Labuschagne fell cheaply to Jofra Archer, adding to the pressure on the home team. Steven Smith and Khawaja displayed fleeting resistance but fell within close intervals, with Carse also claiming Smith’s wicket shortly before dismissing Khawaja.
Australia stood at 49 for 4 in 23 overs, trailing by 123 runs with key batters yet to settle in. Travis Head and Cameron Green showed some fight with unbeaten scores of 9 and 6 runs respectively, but the Australian lineup remained fragile against England’s pace attack which executed disciplined and hostile bowling till the end of Day 1.
