Australia Struggles at 123/9 on Day 1 After England’s 172

Perth witnessed an action-packed opening day as 19 wickets tumbled, setting a new record. England ended the day with a 49-run lead, and Australia’s last two batsmen are still at the crease. Ben Stokes starred for the visitors, taking an impressive five wickets in just six overs.
Earlier in the day, England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision seemed to backfire when Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc with the new ball, taking three wickets in his opening spell. Harry Brook and Ollie Pope steadied the ship with a 55-run stand for the fourth wicket. Cam Green broke that stand by removing Pope for 46. Starc got back to work after Lunch and removed Stokes with a peach. He wasted little time after that to complete his five-wicket haul.
Record-Breaking Day in Perth: England Take 49-Run Lead as 19 Wickets Fall
Harry Brook was the top-scorer with a half-century for England. He got fine support from Jamie Smith, who made 33 off just 22 balls to take England's total to 172 before they were bowled out. Starc ended with figures of 7/58. Brendan Doggett got two on his Test debut while Green got one.
Australia had to shuffle their batting order as Usman Khawaja was not on the field before England were bowled out. Marnus Labuschagne walked out to open with debutant Jake Weatherald. Weatherald's debut lasted just two balls before Jofra Archer sent him packing. Steve Smith and Marnus fought through the second session. Archer knocked over Labuschagne after Tea. Steve Smith soon followed him back to the pavilion and Khawaja, who came in at 4 only for the second time in his career, perished for 2.
Cameron Green and Travis Head added 45 runs for the fifth wicket and a 35-run stand for the 7th wicket between Carey and Mitchell Starc took Australia past the 100-run mark. Ben Stokes bowled a six-over spell late in the day and he finished with a five-wicket haul to leave Australia tottering at 123/9, 49 runs behind England.
Day 1 Session Summary
| Session | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 23 | 105 | 4 |
| Afternoon | 19.5 | 82 | 7 |
| Evening | 29 | 108 | 8 |
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