AUS vs ENG Live Score, 1st Ashes Test Day 2: Day 1 of the Ashes at Perth Stadium lived up to every pre-series expectation, delivering drama, pace, and historic milestones. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat, but his team was dismissed for 172 in front of more than 51,000 spectators. The innings, though aggressive and scoring at 5.23 runs per over, was repeatedly interrupted by Mitchell Starc, who produced a career-best 7-58 to dismantle England’s top and middle order. Starc’s spell included key dismissals of Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Stokes himself, finishing the innings by taking the last two wickets in consecutive deliveries and positioning himself for a potential hat-trick at the start of Australia’s innings.

Australia began their reply under pressure. Jofra Archer took an early wicket in the first over, and Brydon Carse continued the assault, reducing the hosts to 31-4. A 45-run fourth-wicket partnership between Travis Head and Cameron Green offered temporary stability, but Ben Stokes returned to rip through the middle order, taking five wickets for 23 runs. By stumps, Australia were 123-9, still 49 runs behind, giving England the first-innings advantage.

The day also marked a historic moment for Indigenous Australians, with Brendan Doggett making his Test debut alongside Scott Boland, the first time two Indigenous men have played in the same Test side. Doggett contributed crucial breakthroughs and showcased his short-pitched prowess.

England’s batting highlighted the Bazball philosophy under Brendon McCullum, with attacking intent despite frequent wickets. Batters from both sides faced steep challenges against rising deliveries, with Mark Wood unsettling Cameron Green at 147 kph. The day featured 19 wickets across 72 overs, a testament to the intensity and skill on display.

With the first innings advantage swinging England’s way and historic milestones achieved, Day 1 set the stage for a thrilling four-day contest filled with pace, aggression, and strategic masterstrokes. Fans can expect high stakes, fast bowling duels, and tactical battles as the Ashes series unfolds.