Australia and England faced each other in the opening Test of The Ashes 2025–26 at Optus Stadium, Perth. On the first day of the Test (21 November), Mitchell Starc delivered a sensational spell. He dismantled England’s top order, taking 3 wickets for just 39 runs.
Starc removed Joe Root for 0 with the help of a catch by Marnus Labuschagne. This wicket was his 100th in Ashes history, making him the 21st bowler to reach this milestone.
With this achievement, Starc added another unique record to his name. He became the first left-arm fast bowler ever to take 100 wickets in Ashes history. He also became the 13th Australian bowler to take 100 or more wickets in the Ashes.
With Pat Cummins unfit and Josh Hazlewood out due to injury, Starc led the pace attack alongside Scott Boland and debutant Brendan Doggett. Starc now has a golden opportunity to break Pakistan legend Wasim Akram’s record of 414 Test wickets—the highest for any left-arm fast bowler. He is expected to surpass this milestone during this series.
Australia’s Playing XI for the Perth Test:
Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (Captain), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland
England’s Playing XI for the Perth Test:
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (Captain), Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood