AU vs ENG [WATCH]: Joe Root’s struggles in Australia continue as Mitchell Starc takes 100th Ashes wicket on Day 1 of the Perth Test

Mitchell Starc made history in Perth when he claimed and dismissed his 100th Ashes wicket England‘s star batter Joe Root for a duck. The dismissal came in dramatic fashion and cemented Starc’s dominance in this high-stakes series. With Root gone cheaply, Australia’s grip on the game tightened, leaving England struggling at 39/3.

AUS vs ENG: Mitchell Starc strikes with milestone 100th Ashes wicket to get rid of Joe Root

Starc’s 100th Ashes wicket was a masterclass in bowling strategy. Root, who had faced Starc on several occasions, was expertly set up by the left-arm pacer. Starc had consistently pushed the ball wide outside Root’s stump, forcing him to play without fully committing. Then, with a subtle change of angle, Starc threw a fuller delivery aimed at Root’s eyeline, pulling the edge off Root’s bat as he tried to drive. The ball flew to Marnus Labuschagne at third slip, who made no mistake and secured a sharp catch. Root, showing signs of vulnerability, was dismissed for a duck, a bitter blow for England. The moment not only gave Starc his trademark Ashes wicket, but also left England in a precarious position, with three important wickets already down.

Here’s the video:

Ashes 2025-26: Starc’s brilliant spell keeps England on the back foot

Starc’s brilliant spell with the ball put Australia firmly on top on Day 1 of the first Test in Perth. The left-arm pacer claimed three crucial wickets, including the milestone 100th wicket of his Ashes career, Joe Root for a duck. England, who opted to bat, found themselves in deep trouble early on as they fell to 39/3, with Starc responsible for Zak Crawley and Root, while Cameron Green provided valuable support with the wicket of Ollie Pope.

England’s batting order was tested by Australia’s relentless pace attack, and though Ben Stokes (4*) and Harry Brook (28*) have stabilized the ship somewhat, the visitors are still far from safe. The Australian bowlers, led by Starc and buoyed by Green’s contribution, have left England in a precarious position, struggling to build partnerships despite tight and controlled bowling. With a total of 105/4 at lunch, England’s hopes of a solid first innings hang by a thread, and Australia will look to capitalize on this advantage in the afternoon session.