India, Nov. 21 -- The Ashes erupted in extraordinary fashion on Friday as the first Test at Perth Stadium produced 19 wickets - the most to fall on an opening day of an Ashes match in a century. What began as a promising morning for Australia quickly twisted into a dramatic, seesawing contest defined by relentless pace, bold captaincy, and two standout performances from Mitchell Starc and Ben Stokes.

Stokes won the toss under clear skies and opted to bat, but England's innings never settled. Starc, operating with trademark menace, ripped through the tourists to claim 7-58, putting England on the defensive almost immediately. Only Harry Brook (52) and Ollie Pope (46) managed to withstand the pressure for any meaningful stretch as England ...