Ashes History Made on Day One of 2025 Series That Nobody Thought Was Possible

One of the most eagerly anticipated Ashes series of recent times got off to a historic start on Friday as Australia and England lost their first wicket without a run on the board.

England won the toss and opted to bat first, but they were bowled out for 172 before tea as fast bowler Mitchell Starc claimed a career-best 7-58.

The visitors have not taken a series in Australia since 2010-11, which was also the last time they won a Test in the country, and things got off to a nightmare start for Brendon McCullum's side.

Mitchell Starc, who has long been a staple of Australia's attack, started the series in style, dismissing opening batsman Zak Crawley for a duck after Usman Khawaja took a catch at first slip.

Crawley, who went for a trademark loose drive outside the off stump, was out after just six balls, with Starc striking again in the first over of an innings.

A short time later, the fast-bowler delivered a full inswinger in the seventh over to trap Ben Duckett leg-before, and soon, he earned his 100th Ashes wicket by hitting Joe Root with a ball that found Marnus Labuschagne at third slip.

There were some positive signs for England, with Ollie Pope hitting 46 (58) while Harry Brook recorded 52 (61), but England had it all to do after being bowled out for 172 runs.

That being said, Jofra Archer made a brilliant start of his own, dismissing debutant Jake Weatherald with the second ball of the innings.

Weatherald is just the eighth Australian batter to be dismissed for a duck on their men's Test debut and the third in the 21st century, according to Opta.

It was a stat-filled day in Perth, and after Crawley and Weatherald walked away with a duck, it emerged that this is the first time in Ashes history that both teams have lost their first wicket without a run on the board in their first innings.

One fan commented on the stat, saying: "Yeah, absolute madness! First time ever in 145 years of Ashes cricket that both teams bagged a duck on the very first over of their first innings. Cricket, you weird beautiful game."

Ben Stokes sent clear message ahead of first Ashes test

England have not won an Ashes series since 2015, but captain Stokes has called on his team to "create history" by winning this year's event.

"A lot has been spoken of about the history and how it has gone for England," he said. "This is our chance to create our own history and it is up to us how that looks."

Can they do it? Let us know in the comments.