England Eye Strong Start as Injured Australia Face Ashes Test

England enter Friday’s first Ashes Test in Perth with fresh confidence and a real chance to begin the five-match series on a strong note. Their excitement comes from both their own improving form and the fact that Australia are missing two of their most important fast bowlers. England have not won the opening Ashes Test in Australia for nearly 40 years, and they have not tasted victory in Perth since 1978. But this time, many things are different, and the visiting team feels that they can finally break these long and painful records.

The biggest talking point before the match is Australia’s injury issues. Their captain and star fast bowler Pat Cummins is out, and Josh Hazlewood, another reliable fast bowler, is also missing. Together they have 604 Test wickets, and losing both at the same time is a huge blow. Even the selectors could not have imagined beginning the first “Bazball” fight without these two key players. Steve Smith will lead the team in Cummins’s absence.

Australia will depend on Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett to fill the gaps. Boland is famous for taking seven wickets on debut during the 2021/22 Ashes series. However, England hit him hard during the 2023 Ashes, which makes this battle even more interesting. Doggett, on the other hand, has never played a Test before but enters with good domestic form.

England have played limited-overs matches at the modern Perth Stadium, but this will be their first Test match there. Most of England’s Test history in Perth comes from the old WACA ground, where they suffered eight straight losses. Their last Test there, in 2017, was a heavy innings defeat that cost them the Ashes.

Only Joe Root remains from that painful 4-0 loss. For the rest of Ben Stokes’s squad, Perth will feel like a new destination. Many of the players have never played a Test match in Australia. Paceman Gus Atkinson, one of the debutants, said he brings “no scars,” meaning he carries no bad memories like some older players. He believes this freshness is actually an advantage.

England know that getting off to a strong start is extremely important. They have never won an Ashes series in Australia after going 1-0 behind, except in 1954/55 under Len Hutton. Their most recent series in Australia began terribly, with Rory Burns bowled for a golden duck on the first ball of the series. England were all out for 147 and lost that match by nine wickets before eventually losing the series 4-0.

Mitchell Starc, who bowled that famous first ball, will lead Australia’s attack again. At 35, he is still dangerous with his left-arm swing. He said injuries are part of fast bowling but believes Australia’s depth will help them recover. He praised both Boland and Doggett for their current form.

England have not revealed their bowling lineup yet, but they have plenty of choices. Fans are hoping to see another thrilling battle between Jofra Archer and Steve Smith. Their last big encounter was at Lord’s in 2019, when Archer hit Smith with a sharp bouncer, creating one of the most memorable Ashes moments.

In their warm-up match, Archer, Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue all bowled well. This suggests England are strongly considering using four fast bowlers. Joe Root contributed with some spin, while specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir bowled for the England Lions team.

Australia also have questions in their batting lineup. Marnus Labuschagne has returned after scoring well in domestic cricket. New opener Jake Weatherald is expected to make his Test debut, replacing Sam Konstas. All-rounder Cameron Green has recovered from back surgery and looks ready to bowl. If he plays, Beau Webster may miss out. Labuschagne would then move back to his preferred number three spot, while Weatherald faces the new ball.

With injuries weakening Australia and England entering with a fresh mindset, the opening Test promises excitement and unpredictability. Both teams have new faces and unsettled lineups, which could lead to unexpected performances. For England, this is one of their best chances in many years to break long-running losing streaks and take control of the Ashes from the very beginning.