In a stunning display of pace bowling, England launched a formidable assault on Australia in the opening day of the Ashes 2025, leaving cricket fans in awe. The day's play saw a dramatic 19 wickets fall, the most on the first day of an Ashes Test since 1909, as England unleashed their fastest bowling attack in over half a century.
The English team, led by Ben Stokes, has strategically focused on exploiting the conditions in Australia with a pace-heavy lineup. This approach is a stark contrast to previous tours, where England often found themselves outgunned by the hosts' formidable fast bowlers. The decision to retire veteran James Anderson in 2024 paved the way for this aggressive strategy, which has been in the works since the last home Ashes in 2023.
The day began with a festive atmosphere at Perth Stadium, complete with a ferris wheel and inflatables, but the cricket that followed was anything but lighthearted. England's bowlers, including Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson, delivered a relentless and accurate performance, bowling at an average speed of 87.6 mph. Their collective effort left Australia reeling, with the visitors being bowled out for just 172 in 32.5 overs, the shortest first innings of an Ashes Test in Australia for 123 years.
The English bowlers were not only fast but also spectacularly effective. Archer pinned Jake Weatherald leg before with a pinpoint delivery, while Carse's venomous lifter to Usman Khawaja was reminiscent of a spitting cobra. Wood's bouncer to Cameron Green was a frightening reminder of the power on offer, striking the all-rounder on the grille and nearly knocking him over.
Australia's batting lineup struggled to cope with the pressure, with two-thirds of deliveries being played from the back foot—the most in an innings since data collection began almost 20 years ago. The Australian batters also recorded their highest false-shot percentage in the same timeframe, indicating the intensity of England's bowling attack.
One of the most impressive aspects of England's performance was their ability to target Australia's stand-in captain, Steve Smith. Known for his prowess against England, Smith faced 49 balls for just 17, with a career-high false-shot percentage of 49%. Each time Australia seemed to gain a foothold, England had another pace option ready, showcasing the depth and variety of their bowling arsenal.
The significance of this performance is amplified by the individual journeys of the bowlers involved. Archer, who has battled numerous injuries, and Wood, who returned from a 15-month absence just months before his 36th birthday, have both overcome substantial obstacles to be part of this historic lineup. Their presence, along with that of Carse and Atkinson, has created a formidable pace attack that promises to keep Australia on the back foot throughout the series.
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