The Ashes: England and Australia play out dizzying opening day in Perth as action lives up to the pre-series hype

England and Australia delivered a scintillating opening day in Perth that lived up to the pre-series hype, with the cricket being fast-paced and entertaining for both fans and commentators.

The game was marked by a total of 19 wickets falling across both innings, including one in each side's opening over. England captain Ben Stokes was instrumental in this collapse, claiming five crucial wickets to leave Australia reeling on 123-9. The hosts' batting line-up looked vulnerable at times, with England guilty of resorting to wafty drives and aggressive attacks on the short ball.

Stokes himself looked fitter than ever after returning from a shoulder injury and was, once again, the mastermind behind England's bowling attack. He took wickets from both ends of the pitch, using his aura to put pressure on Australia's batsmen and get them playing loose shots that ultimately led to their downfall.

The opening day was a box office success for Stokes, who has now reached a level of form that suggests he is in prime condition to take England to Ashes glory. His performance will undoubtedly be the subject of much discussion, not least when it comes to his future in Test cricket.

Meanwhile, Steve Smith made headlines with a bizarre jibe at former England spinner Monty Panesar's Mastermind appearance on Sky Sports. The Australian captain, who will be taking over as skipper for this series, may have been trying to stir up some tension but ultimately proved himself to be the master of his own destiny.

As the Ashes series progresses, fans can expect plenty more drama and intrigue, including questions about Root's average scoreline, Smith and Panesar's on-field sparring and whether Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will feature in this Test. One thing is for certain: England and Australia are set to deliver an exciting and unpredictable series that will keep cricket fans enthralled.

The stage is now set for a thrilling contest between two of the world's top teams, with plenty of drama and tension to come over the next few weeks. Will Root achieve his maiden Ashes ton Down Under? How much cricket will Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood play? And what about the potential on-field sparring between Smith and Panesar? There are many questions still to be answered but one thing is certain: this series has all the ingredients for a classic Ashes battle.

I'm loving how intense this Ashes series is shaping up to be! With Ben Stokes leading England's bowling attack, I think they've got a solid chance of taking down Australia. His form looks incredible right now, and he seems like the mastermind behind their strategy. The fact that he took wickets from both ends of the pitch shows how well-rounded his skills are.

But what really caught my attention was Steve Smith's reaction to Monty Panesar's appearance on Sky Sports. I mean, come on, Smith - you can't just diss someone like that without backing it up with action! It's all about the drama and tension, which is exactly what makes this series so exciting.

One thing I'm curious about is how Root will perform in this series. He's had some decent scores in the past, but I want to see if he can really deliver on his promise of an Ashes ton. And with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood potentially playing key roles, it's going to be a real challenge for Australia.

Overall, I think this is shaping up to be one of the greatest Ashes series in history. With all these talented players and plenty of drama brewing, cricket fans are in for a real treat!

I'm not buying into all the hype around Ben Stokes being in prime condition to take England to Ashes glory . He's been looking decent, I guess, but let's see how he holds up over a whole series without any more injuries . And what's with Steve Smith's jibe at Monty Panesar? A bit petty if you ask me . It just adds to the drama and spice of the Ashes, but let's not forget that cricket is about more than just entertainment - it's also about skill and sportsmanship ️. And what's the deal with all these questions about Root's average scoreline? Can't he just focus on scoring runs instead of worrying about stats ? The Ashes series may be exciting, but let's not forget to keep things in perspective .

You know, I've been thinking... this Ashes series feels like it's gonna be all about the mental game . Like, can England just stay calm and focused under pressure? They were so on top of their game today, but then they got caught off guard by Australia's batsmen. It's like, you can't let your emotions get the best of you, you know? Ben Stokes was the master of keeping his cool, taking wickets and putting pressure on the Aussie team. But at the same time, I wonder if he's carrying too much weight on his shoulders . He's been through a lot lately with that shoulder injury, and it's like he's gotta make sure he doesn't burn out before this series is even over.

And what about the tension between Smith and Panesar? It feels like they're just taunting each other now . I don't know if I'd call it 'drama' or not - maybe just a healthy dose of competitive spirit, you know? But either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how all these factors play out over the next few weeks. It feels like this series is already gonna be a wild ride .

I love how Ben Stokes is killing it in this series ! He's so consistent and his leadership skills are on point. I'm also loving the drama between Smith and Panesar, it's like they're already trash talking each other before the games even start . But seriously, can we talk about Australia's batting line-up? They looked super vulnerable out there, especially with their short ball strategy not working out. And what's up with Root's average scoreline? Is he going to get his maiden Ashes ton or will it be another bummer for him? Can't wait for the rest of this series to unfold and see how all these questions get answered!

OMG , England & Australia are really bringing the heat in this Ashes series! Ben Stokes is on fire , his fitness levels are insane after coming back from that shoulder injury and he's still got it! The way he took those wickets was so smooth, I'm not surprised he's getting all the attention . And Australia's batting line-up, oh man... they looked so vulnerable at times, I hope Root can step up his game .

I love how Steve Smith is already stirring up drama with that joke about Monty Panesar , but seriously though, this series is going to be all about the cricket and which team comes out on top . Will Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood even make it into the Test? We'll just have to wait and see .

It's been a thrilling opening day for sure, I'm so hyped for the rest of the series ! The stage is set for an epic battle between two of the world's top teams, can't wait to see how it all unfolds

Wow! England's Ben Stokes was on fire in that opening day match, it's awesome to see him back to his old self after recovering from that shoulder injury! Australia's batting line-up did look pretty fragile at times , and Steve Smith's comment about Monty Panesar was a bit awkward. But you can tell Smith is trying to psyche himself up for the series... Interesting that there are so many questions still unanswered, like Will Root get that Ashes ton?

omg australia's batting line up is so weak rn they cant even handle a few fast balls and stokes just dominated the game like he always does, his fitness level is insane he's defo on fire now, hope england can keep it up throughout the series pat cummins has to come back from injury tho, that's what i'm worried about root needs a big ton to change his ashes average, fingers crossed for him and smit getting all feisty with panesar is just funny lol, gotta love australia captain's attitude

I'm loving the vibes of the cricket so far! England's bowlers were relentless, especially Ben Stokes . I mean, 5 wickets in each innings? That's some next-level stuff . He's really got that aura about him, you know? And Steve Smith's sassy comment about Monty Panesar was a nice touch . It's always good to see the Aussies bringing the heat, but I think England's got this series in the bag ️. The Ashes are always an epic clash, and with Root, Stokes, and all those Aussie legends, it's gonna be a wild ride !

I'm loving the intensity of the opening day in Perth! It's clear that both teams are fired up to take on each other. But, I have to wonder... is Ben Stokes' new form just a flash in the pan or can he sustain this level of performance throughout the series?

I'm also curious to see how Joe Root bounces back from his recent slump - will we finally see that elusive Ashes ton? And what about Steve Smith's comments on Monty Panesar? Was it just a lighthearted jab or is there something more to their sparring?

One thing's for sure, though: this series is shaping up to be an absolute thrill ride! With all the questions still unanswered, I'm itching to see how it all plays out. Can England take down Australia and reclaim the Ashes?

I don’t usually comment but I have to say, Ben Stokes is just phenomenal right now ! He looks so focused and determined on the field, it's like he's got his eyes set on that Ashes glory . The way he took those wickets, using his skills to put pressure on Australia's batsmen... it was like watching a masterclass . And I have to say, Steve Smith's response to Monty Panesar might've been a bit cheeky, but at the end of the day, it's just cricket and we love the drama . This Ashes series is shaping up to be EPIC , can't wait to see how it all unfolds!

idk how long it'll take for Stokes to lose form again he's always got this reputation of being super dominant but i'm not convinced it'll last... and what's with Smith making jokes about Panesar? sounds like he's already trying to stir up trouble also, Australia's batting line-up looks a bit shambolic, maybe they're just lucky it didn't collapse sooner can't wait for the rest of the series to see how this all plays out... but let's be real, England'll probably fall apart within 2-3 games

this match is gonna be epic i can already see the drama unfolding like a soap opera australia's got some big guns on their team and england's got ben stokes who's been training harder than an army recruit and we all know what happens when aussies meet englanders , it's gonna be a clash of titans for sure!

omg i am literally SO hyped for this ashies series ! ben stokes is having a career revamp and its glorious to watch him in action, that guy's got some serious skills ! but what really caught my eye was steve smith's weird comment about monty panesar - like, what even is that? can't believe australia's trying to stir up drama before the series even starts. anyway, i'm super stoked for this series and all the cricket goodness it'll bring

You know, I was watching this game and it got me thinking... the pressure cooker that is international cricket can really bring out the best (or worst) in people. I mean, Stokes just completely took over on his own, like he was unstoppable. It's crazy how much confidence a top player can command on the field. And then you've got Smith, trying to stir up drama and tension... it's like, is that really what this game is about? The rivalry between England and Australia has always been intense, but do we need all this extra baggage? It just makes me wonder, can we enjoy the game without getting caught up in all these personal stories and motivations?

I'm totally thinking Australia's gonna crush England, no way they can keep up with those Aussie batsmen . I mean Stokes looked good and all but let's see how he does when it really matters. And what's with Smith throwing shade at Panesar? It's just a joke, guys calm down . Root's gotta step up his game if he wants to make an impact, and as for Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, I'm predicting they'll be benchwarmers by the end of this series . England might try to play some fancy cricket but Australia's got the depth and experience to take them down a peg . Bring it on!

Ugh, I'm already seeing this series go south . Ben Stokes' form is gonna be the only reason they don't get thrashed, and even that's a big ask. Australia's batting line-up was always gonna struggle against the Aussie attack, but you'd think England would've capitalized on it earlier on. Instead, they just gave away wickets for free. And Steve Smith's jibe at Monty Panesar? Classless . Can't wait to see if Root even manages a ton, or if Australia just suffocates them like they always do in these matches . This series is gonna be a total snooze fest...

Australia's batting line-up was as shaky as a newborn giraffe . Stokes was the king of the crease, and now can't be dropped!

OMG I'm literally so hyped for this Ashes series!! I've been following Ben Stokes' recovery from his shoulder injury and he's looking SO fit right now I mean, 5 wickets in each end of the pitch? That's insane! And Steve Smith's got some serious skills too, I love how he roasted Monty Panesar on Sky Sports

I'm also super curious about Root's average scoreline and if Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood will even make it into this Test It's gonna be a wild ride with all the drama and tension, I just know England and Australia are gonna give it their all And can we talk about how much I want to see Stokes win the Ashes for his country? He's literally my spirit animal now

I'm not buying into the hype just yet . The stats say England lost 5 wickets in their first over, that's crazy! You can't just blame the Aussies for being vulnerable and expect them to suddenly turn it around? And what's with Stokes' shoulder injury? Wasn't he cleared to play by the ECB or something? Need some sources on this guy's fitness before I start fawning over his performance . Also, Smith's got a point about Panesar being a bit of a Mastermind, but was it really necessary to take a jab at him like that? Let's see how he holds up under pressure...