Several former India cricketers slammed the Perth pitch after a wicket-laden opening day of the first Test in the 2025–26 Ashes.
The 2025-26 Ashes began with fireworks. Mitchell Starc struck in the first over, removing Zak Crawley for a duck and instantly reviving memories of his first-ball dismissal of Rory Burns in the 2021-22 edition. England vice-captain Harry Brook offered brief resistance with a counterattacking 61-ball 52, but his fall to Australia’s short-ball plan triggered a disastrous collapse. England lost their last five wickets for just 12 runs and folded for 172, Starc ripping through the lineup for a career-best 7-58.
Australia’s reply began in disarray. With Usman Khawaja unable to open despite being named in the XI, their top order crumbled under a blistering spell from Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse that reduced them to 31-4. A small rebuild followed, but Ben Stokes – England’s perennial golden arm – broke the stand between Travis Head and Chris Green, reducing the visitors to 76-5. His sixth five-wicket haul proceeded to dismantle the rest of the batting order, leaving Australia teetering to stumps at 123-9.
Watch: Head and Duckett continue 'ongoing feud' in fiery drinks break exchange - video
'Peak hypocrisy?' - Ex-India cricketers criticise 'double standards'
Several former India cricketers criticised the Perth surface – on which 19 wickets fell on the opening day of the 2025–26 Ashes – calling out what they termed "double standards". Their reactions follow the recent controversy over the Eden Gardens pitch, where India lost to South Africa while chasing 124 in a match that finished inside three days. Temba Bavuma was the game’s lone half-centurion.
The 19 wickets that fell on Friday are the most on an opening day of an Ashes Test since 1909, and the highest number to fall on any single day of an Ashes Test since 1950.
Is it fair to say people like to see pacers picking plenty of wickets on spicy pitches than spinners on a turning pitch
— DK (@DineshKarthik) November 21, 2025
And if that’s the case
WHY ?????#justasking
Only 19 wickets fell at Perth today, but an excellent days cricket.
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 21, 2025
Oh no! What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati? pic.twitter.com/4NW31yc0Sb
Make that 19 wickets 🫣😶
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 21, 2025
Such an ‘outcome’ on a subcontinental pitch would’ve meant the death of Test cricket. 🤣😂
Peak hypocrisy??
Again, maintaining that I’m only following the score…haven’t watched the game. That’s why used the word ‘outcome’. #Ashes2025 #AusvEng
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