New Delhi, Nov. 21 -- Joe Root's struggles against Mitchell Starc continued on Friday as the former England captain was dismissed for a duck on the first morning of the first Ashes 2025-26 Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth. In the process, Root's search for an Ashes century Down Under continued. The right hander has two Ashes tons in his kitty, both on home soil.

It was good toss to lose for Australia as Starc breathed fire in the morning session. Zak Crawley became Starc's first scalp of the day on the six ball. He came roaring once again when Ben Duckett (21) was trapped in front.

With all eyes on Root, Starc pitched the delivery on the leg-stump but it swung only for the Englishman to open his stance. Root tried to jab at the ball w...