AUS vs ENG : Joe Root’s struggles in Australia continue as Mitchell Starc bags 100th Ashes wicket on Day 1 of Perth Test

Mitchell Starc made history in Perth as he claimed his 100th Ashes wicket, dismissing England’s star batter Joe Root for a duck. The dismissal came in a dramatic fashion, reinforcing Starc’s dominance in this high-stakes series. With Root gone cheaply, Australia’s grip on the game tightened, leaving England struggling at 39/3.

Starc’s 100th Ashes wicket was a masterclass in bowling strategy. Root, who had faced off against Starc on several occasions, was set up expertly by the left-arm pacer. Starc had been consistently pushing the ball wide outside Root’s off-stump, forcing him to play without fully committing. Then, with a subtle change of angle, Starc bowled a fuller delivery aimed at Root’s eye-line, drawing the edge off Root’s bat as he attempted a drive. The ball flew to Marnus Labuschagne at third slip, who made no mistake, securing a sharp catch. Root, who had shown signs of vulnerability, was dismissed for a duck, a bitter blow for England. This moment not only gave Starc his landmark Ashes wicket but also left England in a precarious position, with three key wickets already down.

Starc’s brilliant spell with the ball put Australia firmly on top on Day 1 of the 1st Test in Perth. The left-arm pacer claimed three crucial wickets, including the landmark 100th wicket of his Ashes career, removing Joe Root for a duck. England, who opted to bat, found themselves in deep trouble early as they slipped to 39/3, with Starc accounting for Zak Crawley and Root, while Cameron Green provided valuable support with the wicket of Ollie Pope.

England’s batting order has been tested by Australia’s relentless pace attack, and although Ben Stokes (4*) and Harry Brook (28*) have steadied the ship to some extent, the visitors are still far from safe. The Australian bowlers, spearheaded by Starc and bolstered by Green’s contribution, have ensured that England is in a precarious position, struggling to build partnerships in the face of tight and controlled bowling. With a total of 105/4 at lunch, England’s hopes of a solid first innings are hanging by a thread, and Australia will look to exploit this advantage in the afternoon session.