Ashes 2025: Mitchell Starc’s Ashes masterclass against England at Perth Stadium proves his pace bowling greatness, but Ben Stokes and his men have the last laugh

Perth: Sitting back at the end of this hectic Ashes opening day, Mitchell Starc had every reason to feel nonplussed.

He had plucked 7-58, the best figures of his Test career, to roll England for 172. It was a bravura performance from Starc, giving Australia the best of starts to the series, but by stumps it appeared to have counted for very little.

England skipper Ben Stokes (right) picked up five wickets as Australia crumbled in Perth. Credit: Getty Images

The loss of 9-123 from 39 overs to England’s combination of high pace and the seam-bowling skill of Ben Stokes meant that Australia had effectively given up Starc’s hard-won advantage.

For England, the bet on a pace barrage had been an effective one, exposing an Australian batting order that is ageing and, due to a back spasm f