Australia’s left-arm fast-bowling star Mitchell Starc produced one of the greatest Ashes spells of the modern era, tearing through England with a sensational 7/58 on Day 1 of the first Test in Perth. From the first over of the match, Starc bowled with vicious swing, pace, and accuracy, putting England under immediate pressure and rewriting multiple records in the process.
His fiery performance not only destroyed England batting lineup but also marked a personal milestone: Starc completed 100 wickets in Ashes cricket, becoming the first left-arm fast bowler in history to achieve the feat.
England Collapse to 172 All Out Under Starc’s Storm
Winning the toss, England captain Ben Stokes chose to bat first, hoping to take advantage of the dry Perth pitch. But Starc had other plans.
He struck on the very first over, removing Zak Crawley for 0, and followed it up with the wickets of Ben Duckett (21) and Joe Root (0) – England’s most experienced batter – within the opening session.
Root dismissal was historic, too, as it brought up Starc 100th Ashes wicket, achieved at an outstanding average of 44.8, which is the best among all bowlers who have reached the milestone.
England never recovered from the early blows. Only Ollie Pope (46) and Harry Brook (52) attempted resistance, but once Starc returned after lunch, he dismantled the middle order and tail with ease.
His victims included:
- Crawley (0)
- Duckett (21)
- Root (0)
- Stokes (6)
- Atkinson (1)
- Jamie Smith (33)
- Mark Wood (0)
With support from debutant Brendan Doggett (2 wickets) and Cameron Green (1 wicket), England were bowled out for 172 in just 32.5 overs.
Starc Spell Enters Ashes Record Books
Starc devastating 7-wicket haul created multiple records:
✔ 17th Five-Wicket Haul in Tests
His figures of 7/58 are now his best in Test cricket.
✔ 5th Five-Wicket Haul in Ashes Series
Only elite bowlers have achieved five 5-wicket hauls in the Ashes.
✔ First Left-Arm Fast Bowler to Reach 100 Ashes Wickets
No other left-arm pacer has even reached 90.
✔ 21st Bowler Ever to Take 100+ Wickets in the Ashes
✔ Australia’s First Home Ashes 7-Wicket Haul Since 1990–91
Starc is the first Australian pacer since Craig McDermott to take seven wickets on Day 1 of a home Ashes Test.
✔ Most Wickets in the First Over of an Innings
Starc has taken 7 wickets in the first over of matches throughout his career – more than any bowler in cricket history.
Joe Root’s struggles in Australia continued as he once again failed to score a Test century on Australian soil. His 0 in Perth added to his long-standing battle with conditions down under, and England’s hopes of starting the series strongly took a major hit.
Ben Stokes’ plan to bat first also backfired sharply. With the ball swinging under the morning sun, Australia’s pace unit was unplayable.
Starc Ashes and Test Career
- 100+ Ashes wickets in just 23 matches
- 104 Ashes wickets in 43 innings
- 409 Test wickets in 101 matches
- 17 Test five-wicket hauls
- Best bowling: 7/58 (vs England, Perth 2025)
Starc has taken more Test wickets against England than against any other team, showcasing his dominance in The Ashes over more than a decade.
Mitchell Starc’s incredible 7-wicket haul has set the tone for the Ashes 2025–26. From completing 100 Ashes wickets to producing a career-best performance, the left-arm pacer delivered one of the most memorable spells in modern Australian cricket. If Australia go on to take control of the series, Day 1 in Perth will be remembered as the moment Starc single-handedly turned the Ashes in Australia’s favour.
