Follow the podcast on

England's Brydon Carse (left) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Australia's Usman Khwaja (not pictured) on day one of the first test of the NRMA Insurance Ashes Series 2025 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Robbie Stephenson/PA Images via Getty Images)

"Very good day for England": Ian Botham unpacks Ashes Day 1

Author: Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2025, 2:49pm

A chaotic opening day of the first Ashes cricket test between Australia and England in Perth has seen 19 wickets fall – the most on the first day of an Ashes test since 1909.

England were bundled out for 172 before Australia were kept to 123 for 9 at stumps – trailing by 49 runs.

The day also saw Australian opener Usman Khawaja forced to bat at number four after being off the field for the end of England's innings with back spasms.

English cricket great Ian Botham told Piney it’s a good day for England, as they have a good lead and could almost wrap it up today.

He says it’s nice to say that England are in charge.

LISTEN ABOVE