Ashes 2025: Two 31-year-old debutants mark a rare moment in Australian cricket history

Perth: The atmosphere heated up as the first day of the Ashes started in Perth. England won the toss at the Optus Stadium, and the team that came to bat first opened the game without any nervousness. 50 runs were added in the first 12 overs and both the openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, kept scoring runs while saving wickets comfortably. Australian bowlers neither got swing nor a chance to give any initial blow.

Will it be a big test for England?

This tour is also big for England because it has not got the taste of victory in Australia for years. The team has come here three times in the last 15 years and the result has only been defeats and defeats—13 matches lost and two Tests somehow saved.

What has changed in the Australian team this time?

Australia is without two of its most reliable bowlers—Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Despite this, new life has been breathed into the team by two players who are making their Test debut at the age of 31. Jake Weatherald, who recently celebrated his 31st birthday, has scored 13 centuries and 5322 runs in 77 first-class matches for South Australia. Now he will open with Khawaja. On the other side is Brendan Doggett, who has become Australia's fourth Aboriginal Test player. 190 wickets in just 50 matches and five wickets each in two consecutive matches—this gives an idea of ​​the form.

The age of both of them may seem high for their debut, but their hard work and experience in domestic cricket directly earn them a place in the team. Now it remains to be seen whether these two will be able to trouble England's strong batting order, or whether England will cross 300 on the very first day and decide the direction of the match.

Playing eleven of both the teams

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendon Doggett, Scott Boland.
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood.

England's top order is strong, although Stokes' fitness raises concerns. On the other hand, Australia has the weapons of experience like Starc and Lyon, who can compensate for the lack of Cummins-Hazlewood to some extent.

Will England's drought end, or will Australia dominate again?

The green pitch of Perth will help the pacers in the beginning, which can benefit England's Archer and Wood. But Australia will get a slight advantage in home conditions. The record of the last three Ashes tours is 13–0, which means this test will not be easy at all for England. The question is, will the two new debutants change the course of the match? Will England play “busyball” style?

Where will these ashes go?

The five-Test series has started from Perth. England is trying to register at least three wins. There is pressure on Australia at home and also the hope of maintaining the lead. This time, the debuting players and the new enthusiasm of England can together take the Ashes to a different turn.