Perth Pitch Proves a Minefield as Australian Batting Falters
The opening day of the Ashes series in Perth delivered a brutal reality check for the Australian cricket team, with a shocking batting collapse placing the age and future of the side under intense scrutiny. Despite a herculean bowling performance from Mitch Starc, who claimed a stunning seven-wicket haul to skittle England for 172, Australia's reply was nothing short of a disaster, stumbling to a precarious 9-123 at stumps.
Veteran Batting Line-Up Fails to Deliver
The Australian top order crumbled under the pressure of the English attack. Debutant opener Jake Weatherald was dismissed for a duck, while seasoned campaigners Usman Khawaja (2), Steve Smith (17), and Marnus Labuschagne (9) all fell cheaply. The only semblance of resistance came from allrounder Cam Green, who battled his way to 24 runs from 50 balls. The stark age profile of the team became a central talking point, with Weatherald, Khawaja, Smith, and Labuschagne all aged 31 or over, and Green the sole player in the side under 30.
Fans and Pundits Question Team Selection
The dramatic collapse ignited a firestorm of criticism from fans and experts alike, with much of the heat directed at the 38-year-old Khawaja. His recent form was laid bare by sports journalist Ralph Horowitz, who highlighted that Khawaja has averaged just 21.55 in 16 Tests since Boxing Day 2023. Ronny Lerner added that Khawaja's average has dipped to 18.80 in his last 11 Test innings, a worrying stat for a player approaching 39.
Fans took to social media to voice their frustration, with many calling for younger blood in the team. "Renshaw averaged 77 in shield and 10 years younger. Like why persist with a 39-year-old that looks washed," one fan commented. The positions of Smith and Labuschagne were also questioned, with critics pointing to a perceived lack of long-term planning from the selectors.
Starc Calls for Calm Amid the Carnage
Amid the fallout, match-winner Mitch Starc appealed for perspective. "It's two innings of cricket," Starc stated, refusing to buy into suggestions of panic. He emphasised the long road ahead in the series and expressed confidence that the team would regroup. A silver lining for the bowling attack is their relative freshness, having only bowled 33 overs on the first day.
However, Starc will need to shoulder a heavier burden in the absence of injured captain Pat Cummins and fellow quick Josh Hazlewood. Scott Boland struggled, conceding 0-62 from his 10 overs, while debutant Brendan Doggett impressed with figures of 2-27, including the key wicket of Harry Brook.
The 19 wickets that fell marked the most on an Ashes opening day since 1909, drawing parallels to last year's Perth Test where India also dominated. Australia will be hoping for a similar series turnaround, but the questions surrounding their veteran batsmen are now impossible to ignore.
