Match summary — Day 1 (snapshot)

The opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes at Perth Stadium began under clear conditions and a lively pitch.
Both sides brought pace-heavy attacks and there were two debutants for Australia — Jake Weatherald and Brendan Doggett.
With the new ball and a bouncy surface on offer, the first sessions were crucial in setting the tone for the series.

Toss & team news

• Toss: Captains met before play; final XIs confirmed.
• Australia XI: Weatherald, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Smith (c), other usual suspects — plus debutants Weatherald & Doggett.
• England XI: Pace-heavy selection (including Mark Wood); indications they may favour seamers over a specialist spinner initially.
• Injury watch: Australia missing senior pacers through injury, creating selection opportunities.

Early play & key observations

Perth’s surface historically offers bounce and pace early on — advantage to bowlers with the new ball.
England will be looking to exploit any early movement, while Australia will rely on home knowledge to counter attacks.
Debutants’ temperament in the first session will be a telling sign for Australia’s top-order depth.

• Important questions: Can Weatherald and Doggett settle in their Ashes debuts?
• Will England’s seam-first approach pay dividends in the opening sessions?
• Which team will control the momentum at the close of Day 1?

What to watch for the rest of Day 1

1. How the new ball behaves in the first two sessions — early wickets could swing the match.
2. Key partnerships at the top of the order for either side.
3. Impact of pace bowlers given the absence of some senior Australian quicks.

Preliminary status (mid-day snapshot)

Play has started and the contest looks balanced. Both sides know the importance of a strong opening day in the Ashes — expect tense sessions, aggressive fast bowling, and a few defining moments before stumps.