Ashes 2025–26: Record-Breaking Low Overs as Australia and England Struggle in Perth

The first Test of the 2025?26 Ashes series at Perth Stadium has already made history, with both Australia and England being bowled out in just 78.1 overs combined during their first innings by the start of the second day.

England were dismissed for 172 runs in 32.5 overs. Australia?s response was even shorter, as they were bowled out for 132 runs in 45.2 overs, leaving them 40 runs behind.

This marks only the second time in Ashes history that both teams have faced so few overs in their first innings. The first occurrence was in January 1902 at Melbourne, where the sides combined for just 47.5 overs?Australia all out for 112 in 32.1 overs, and England for 61 in 15.4 overs. Australia went on to win that match by 229 runs.

The third-lowest came in August 2019 at Leeds, when Australia and England together played just 80 overs in the first innings. Australia scored 179 in 52.1 overs, while England managed only 67 runs in 27.5 overs.

In Perth, Ollie Pope (46) and Harry Brook (52) played key innings for England. Mitchell Starc starred for Australia with figures of 7 wickets for 58 runs in 12.5 overs, supported by Brendan Doggett?s 2 wickets.

Australia struggled in their reply, with Alex Carey (26) and Cameron Green (24) top-scoring. England?s bowlers dominated, with Ben Stokes taking 5 wickets for 23 runs in 6 overs and Brydon Carse claiming 3 wickets, giving England a 40-run lead after the first innings.