19 wickets fell on the opening day (Friday, November 21) of the first Ashes 2025-26 Test between Australia and England at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The day's play triggered reactions, and former players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Aakash Chopra, and Mohammad Kaif exposed hypocrisy in the cricket community.
Australia ended the opening day in deep trouble at 123 for 9, still trailing by 49 runs after struggling against England’s pace attack. Earlier, Mitchell Starc produced one of the finest spells of his career in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, taking seven wickets to bowl out England for just 172 runs.
Aakash Chopra took to social media X (formerly known as Twitter) to state that such collapses are treated differently depending on conditions. He noted that if this happened on a turning pitch in the subcontinent, critics would label it the “death of Test cricket,” calling the contrast “peak hypocrisy.”
"Make that 19 wickets. Such an ‘outcome’ on a subcontinental pitch would’ve meant the death of Test cricket. Peak hypocrisy?? Again, maintaining that I’m only following the score…haven’t watched the game. That’s why used the word ‘outcome’. #Ashes2025 #AusvEng," Aakash Chopra wrote.
Make that 19 wickets ??Such an ‘outcome’ on a subcontinental pitch would’ve meant the death of Test cricket. ??Peak hypocrisy?? Again, maintaining that I’m only following the score…haven’t watched the game. That’s why used the word ‘outcome’. #Ashes2025 #AusvEng
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 21, 2025What if the Same Happens Tomorrow in Guwahati? - Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin reacted to the opening day in Perth by noting that the cricket on display was still considered “excellent.” He wondered how reactions would differ if a similar collapse unfolded the next day in Guwahati.
"Only 19 wickets fell at Perth today, but an excellent days cricket. Oh no! What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati?" Ashwin opined.
Only 19 wickets fell at Perth today, but an excellent days cricket.Oh no! What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati? pic.twitter.com/4NW31yc0Sb
— Ashwin ?? (@ashwinravi99) November 21, 2025Mohammad Kaif also stated that batting struggles have become universal. He contrasted India’s failure to chase 124 on a turning pitch with England and Australia collapsing on a fast, bouncy surface in Perth, questioning where dependable Test batters have gone.
"Where have all the Test match batsmen gone? India fail to chase 124 on spin track while English and Australian batters struggle on pacy Perth wicket on opening day of Ashes," Kaif stated.
Where have all the Test match batsmen gone? India fail to chase 124 on spin track while English and Australian batters struggle on pacy Perth wicket on opening day of Ashes.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) November 21, 2025Australia Post 123/9 in Reply to England’s 172
Ben Stokes picked up five wickets as Australia were reeling at 123 for 9 in Perth. However, the hosts failed to seize control as England’s fast bowlers hit back with intensity. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse chipped in with two wickets each.
Alex Carey, Cameron Green, and Travis Head scored in the 20s, but none of them were able to convert their starts. Mark Wood and Archer, who consistently crossed the 150 km/h mark, troubled the batters with several blows to the body.
Stokes chose to bat first, but left-arm quick Mitchell Starc dismantled the top and middle order with a sensational 7-wicket haul. Debutant Brendan Doggett added two more scalps. England openers Zak Crawley and Joe Root departed without scoring.
Harry Brook scored 52 runs while Ollie Pope (46) and Jamie Smith (33) chipped in with crucial runs. Poor shot selection and lack of application drew criticism from former players.
Also read: Mark Wood rattles Cameron Green with deadly 147.1 kmph bouncer in Ashes opener, Perth crowd shocked
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