The first day of the much-anticipated 2025 Ashes series at Perth Stadium was riveting, filled with action and dramatic turns. In a contest marked by 19 wickets falling within a compact timeframe, England emerged as the probable frontrunner against their historic rivals, Australia. With England bowled out for 172 in just 33 overs, the Australian team faced a crippling performance, collapsing to 123 runs and losing 9 wickets in response, primarily due to a reshuffled batting order that struggled to maintain its composure on a challenging pitch.

As Day 2 looms, England stands poised to exploit their early advantage, looking to wrap up the Australian innings and secure a substantial lead. The playing conditions on the pitch are tricky, characterized by a large, slow outfield and extra bounce which diminishes scoring opportunities. This scenario raises questions about whether Joe Root can draw inspiration from Virat Kohli’s stellar performance on this ground one year prior, where India toppled Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

With the pitch expected to become more favorable for batting on the second and third days, England aims to maximize their score in the third innings. Root, in particular, seeks to achieve his first Test century on Australian soil, while the Bazball approach promises an aggressive batting display.

Despite their early struggles, Australia is not without hope as they have reliable bowlers like Mitchell Starc, who remarkably took 7 wickets on Day 1, and Scott Boland, who will look to redeem himself after a challenging first innings. Rounding out their bowling lineup are debutant Brendan Doggett and seasoned spinner Nathan Lyon, who can provide valuable contributions.

As the Ashes series progresses, England maintains a slight edge, but the dynamic remains fluid. Can they sustain this momentum for a commanding lead against Australia? Only time will tell as the fixtures unfold.