Starc, Stokes headline opening day mayhem

Mitchell Starc picked up career-best figures of 7 for 58 in Tests, but a five-wicket haul from England captain Ben Stokes left Australia reeling at 123 for 9 in response to England's 172 on a manic Day 1 in Perth. Nineteen wickets fell on what seemed a good batting pitch—the most on the opening day of an Ashes Test in the last 100 years. England lead by 49 runs heading into Day 2.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, England lost Zak Crawley early, caught at slip off Starc. Ben Duckett fell LBW to Starc after a promising start, and Joe Root nicked off to become Starc's third victim. Ollie Pope and Harry Brook then counter-attacked, putting on the day's only 50-run stand before Pope was trapped LBW by Cameron Green just before Lunch.

Brook continued aggressively after the break, hitting a six off Scott Boland and reaching his fourth fifty in five innings against Australia. But Brendan Doggett claimed his first Test wicket, having Brook gloving a short ball to the keeper. Starc completed his five-wicket haul against England, and Doggett chipped in as England were bowled out for 172 in 32.5 overs.

In reply, Australia lost debutant Jake Weatherald for a duck, trapped LBW by Jofra Archer. Steve Smith took blows to his elbow and finger, while Marnus Labuschagne survived close calls before chopping on for 9. Smith nicked off to Brydon Carse, who also removed Usman Khawaja, leaving Australia at 31 for 4.

Cameron Green was dropped and hit on the helmet, but he and Travis Head added 45 runs. Stokes then struck twice, removing Head and Green, before Alex Carey fell after a brief resistance. Starc and Boland fell late to give Stokes his fifth wicket, capping a dramatic day.

Brief scores:
Australia 123/9 (Alex Carey 26, Cameron Green 24; Ben Stokes 5-23, Jofra Archer 2-11) trail England 172 (Harry Brook 52, Ollie Pope 46; Mitchell Starc 7-58, Brendan Doggett 2-27) by 49 runs.