England had a challenging start in the initial test of the 2025 Ashes series against Australia. Ben Stokes’ team chose to bat first on a pitch seemingly suitable for batting, but the Aussies, led by Mitchell Starc, quickly dismantled England’s lineup. Zak Crawley was dismissed without scoring, and Joe Root failed to make an impact, getting out for zero.
After being bowled out for 172, England needed a strong performance, and Jofra Archer provided a bright spot by taking an early wicket. Starc, on the other hand, showcased his prowess by claiming crucial wickets, including that of England’s key player, Joe Root.
Starc’s exceptional bowling performance, reminiscent of Terry Alderman’s feat in 1981, saw him finish with impressive figures of 7-58. While England’s batting had some highlights, with Ollie Pope managing a respectable score, the team faced a collapse towards the end of their innings.
As the match progressed, the focus turned to the anticipated battle between Archer and Mark Wood against the Australian batsmen. Archer made an impact early on, dismissing debutant Jake Weatherald. Meanwhile, off the field, tensions simmered as Steve Smith faced taunts from English supporters referencing past controversies.
The Ashes series promises more thrilling action ahead, with live coverage available on TNT Sports. Fans can catch all the excitement on discovery+ or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.