Starc Takes 7 Wickets to Shake England on Day One in Perth

Mitchell Starc produced a fiery bowling performance, taking 7 wickets for 58 runs to put England on the back foot in the opening day of the Perth Test at a packed stadium. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat on a sunny day, but the visitors struggled against Australia’s pace attack.

Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46) were the only players to resist, while the rest of the batting line-up crumbled after lunch. Stokes himself was outstanding, picking up 5-23, helping England reduce Australia to 123-9 by stumps, still trailing by 49 runs. Nathan Lyon was unbeaten on three, with Brendan Doggett yet to score.

Brydon Carse, who took two key wickets including Steve Smith, described the day as exceptional. “What a day. Everyone got their time’s worth – 19 wickets fell. It was a fantastic session that gives us a strong position going into tomorrow,” he said.

England’s opening batsmen faced a brutal introduction to Test cricket. Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a second-ball duck by Jofra Archer, and Marnus Labuschagne lasted only 41 balls for nine runs. Joe Root fell cheaply for 17, caught by Brook at slip. Usman Khawaja, batting at number four, lasted just six balls, leaving Australia in trouble at 31-4.

Starc’s early spells were particularly destructive. He removed Zak Crawley for nought with a thick edge to slip and later trapped Ben Duckett lbw for 21, leaving England tottering at 33-2. Starc also sent Stokes back for six runs with a precise inswinger and cleaned up the tail later in the day, claiming his 17th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Cameron Green (24), Travis Head (21), and Alex Carey (26) got starts but could not convert them into big scores, as England’s fast bowlers maintained pressure. Starc’s relentless pace and skill made a huge difference, while Stokes’ leadership on the field inspired his teammates.

Starc spoke after the match, expressing confidence in his ability to take wickets. “It’s always my role to be aggressive and look for wickets, especially with the new ball. I’ve been fortunate to do it a few times, and it’s always the plan to make inroads into the opposition,” he said.

Even with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood sidelined, Starc remained calm and focused. He acknowledged the strength of both bowling attacks, saying it was simply one of those days where wickets fell rapidly. “Credit to both sides. We bowled well, they bowled well, and 19 wickets fell in a day,” he added.

Australia will need Starc to continue his strong form on day two to stay in contention, as England is still a formidable side. Despite the early setbacks, Starc remains unfazed, confident that his team has the experience to fight back in the ongoing Test series.