Bhubaneswar, Nov. 21 -- On a dramatic opening day of the Ashes in Optus Stadium at Perth, 19 wickets fell in a single day, sending shockwaves across the cricketing world. Fast bowlers from both Australia and England ran riot on a pitch brimming with pace and bounce yet, unlike the uproar over spin-friendly surfaces in India, there was no outrage, no criticism, and no debate. The silence has become the loudest talking point.

The Perth pitch lived up to its reputation. Mitchell Starc unleashed a fiery spell to claim seven wickets, while England's pace trio Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Brydon Carse proved nearly unplayable. Even Ben Stokes produced a five-wicket haul.

England crashed to 39 for 3, and Australia slumped to 31 for 4, with bot...