AUS vs ENG: 5 instances when most wickets fell on Day 1 of The Ashes tests

The Ashes always present a tough challenge for any batsman.

For more than a century, the England Cricket Team and the Australian Cricket Team (AUS vs ENG) have squared off in The Ashes, which began in 1882 with a test match between both sides at The Oval, London.

Currently, the Ashes is one of the most-watched test cricket series in international cricket, entertaining fans around the world. The first day of any test of The Ashes carries a special kind of energy, with nervous opening batters on one end and bowlers charging them with their excellence.

In recent years, several test matches in The Ashes series have seen bowlers dominate the proceedings on the first day, while batsmen have been helpless and lost wickets like a house of cards.

On that note, below are records for the most wickets fallen on Day 1 of test matches between Australia and England in The Ashes history.

Most wickets on Day 1 in Australia vs England tests-

5. 19 Wickets – AUS vs ENG 1st Test, Perth (The Ashes 2025-26)

The first test of The Ashes 2025-26 took place at Optus Stadium in Perth. The encounter concluded within two days, with both sides struggling with the bat on a challenging pitch.

On day 1, England were bowled out for just 172 runs after opting to bat first, with the highest score by Harry Brook (52). Australian pacer Mitchell Starc showcased his mayhem, clinching a seven-wicket haul.

Moreover, England bounced back by dismissing Australia for just 132 runs, thanks to a fifer by captain Ben Stokes. At the stumps of the first day, Australia reeled at 123/9 on the scoreboard in the first innings, as a total of 19 batters lost their wickets. Eventually, Australia won the clash by eight wickets, chasing down a 205-run target with a century by Travis Head.

4. 20 Wickets- AUS vs ENG 4th test, Melbourne (The Ashes 2025-26)

Melbourne Cricket Ground hosted the fourth test of The Ashes 2025-26 between Australia and England. Surprisingly, both sides were bowled out in the first innings on the first day itself, as a total of 20 wickets fell at a tricky pitch in Melbourne.

After opting to field first, England demolished Australia for 152 runs in the first innings, with a spectacular fifer by pacer Josh Tongue.

None of the Australian batters scored a half-century, with tailender Michael Neser hitting the highest score of 35 runs. The hosts bounced back with a stellar bowling show, dismissing Ben Stokes & Co. for just 110 runs to earn a lead of 32 runs at the end of the first innings.

3. 20 Wickets- ENG vs AUS 4th Test, Old Trafford (The Ashes 1909)

The fourth test of The Ashes 1909 took place at Old Trafford, Manchester. On the first day, both teams struggled with the bat, with Australia being bowled out for 147 in their first innings. Sydney Barnes and Colin Blythe clinched five wickets each to dismantle the visitors.

However, they failed to dominate with the bat, posting 119 runs on the board as 20 wickets fell on the first day. For Australia, seamer Frank Laver clinched an impeccable eight-wicket haul, rocking the field with his bowling show. The clash, which lasted only three days, ended in a draw.

2. 20 Wickets – ENG vs AUS Only Test, The Oval (The Ashes 1882)

The first-ever test of The Ashes history took place in 1882 at The Oval in London. The low-scoring clash witnessed both sides struggling with their batting. Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Australia were bowled out for just 63 runs in the first innings, losing seven of their batsmen for single digits.

Dick Barlow (5 wickets) and Ted Peate (4 wickets) executed a marvellous bowling attack for England. However, they also suffered a similar batting collapse, getting all out for just 101 runs as 20 wickets fell on the first day.

Frederick Spofforth stole a stunning seven-wicket haul for the visitors, and they eventually won the clash by a narrow margin of seven runs.

1. 22 Wickets- ENG vs AUS 2nd Test, The Oval (The Ashes 1890)

The second test between England and Australia at The Oval in The Ashes 1890 grabs the top spot on this list, as it witnessed a total of 22 wickets falling on Day 1.

Australia, electing to bat first, could only add 92 runs on the board in the first innings. Fred Martin and George Lohmann took six and three scalps, respectively, to dominate the opposition.

However, Australia too produced a fabulous bowling attack, demolishing England for just 100 runs in the first innings. J.J. Ferris picked four wickets while Percie Charlton captured three wickets as none of the England batters could smack a fifty. Eventually, England had the last laugh, winning the clash by two wickets by chasing a 95-run target.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.