Perth, Western Australia, Australia: The opening Test of the 2025 Ashes series is taking place in Perth, Australia. In a dramatic second innings, England were dismissed for 164 runs in 34.4 overs.

The Ashes, the historic cricket rivalry between England and Australia, is akin to the India-Pakistan series in terms of intensity and fan interest. The first match of this year’s series has started in fine style in Perth. England struggled in their second innings, managing only 164 runs after being set a target of 205 by Australia, who had a first-innings lead of 40 runs.

Gus Atkisson led the England batting with 37 runs. Ollie Pope contributed 33, Ben Duckett added 28, and Bryden Carse scored 20. For Australia, Scott Boland was the standout bowler, taking four wickets, while Mitchell Starc and Bryden Doggett picked up three wickets apiece. Australia, chasing 205, is close to victory at 176 runs for the loss of just one wicket, needing 29 more to seal the match.

Earlier, Australia struggled in their first innings, being bowled out for 132 runs in 45.2 overs after reaching 123/9. Only Alex Carey offered resistance with 26 runs, while Travis Head (21) and Cameron Green (24) offered minor contributions. Key batsmen like Jake Weatherald (0), Marnus Labuschagne (9), Steve Smith (17), and Usman Khawaja (2) failed to make an impact.

England’s bowling was spearheaded by Ben Stokes, who took five wickets, with Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer claiming three and two wickets, respectively. England had scored 172 in their first innings.

Currently, Australia is in a commanding position in the second innings, and the English bowlers are struggling to make breakthroughs. Barring an unexpected twist, a win for Australia seems almost certain in the first Test, although cricket’s unpredictability leaves a small window for a surprising turnaround.