Ashes 2025: Ben Stokes Opts to Bat as England Unleash All-Pace Attack in Perth Test

England Win Toss, Bat In First Ashes Test (Image Source: Google)

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat against Australia in the first Ashes Test under blue skies in Perth on Friday.

The visitors opted for an all-out pace attack on what is expected to be a fast and bouncy wicket as they begin their quest to win a series in Australia for the first time in 15 years.

Mark Wood was deemed fit and will spearhead the speed assault alongside Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Stokes, with spinner Shoaib Bashir left out.

All five previous Tests at the venue have been won by the side batting first.

"We will try and get some runs on the board and see where we go from there," said Stokes.

"It's a lot of hard work, determination, we have got a clear plan of what we want to do in Australia."

Australia named their team on Thursday with Jake Weatherald making his debut as Usman Khawaja's sixth opening partner since David Warner retired last year.

That allowed Marnus Labuschagne to return at his preferred number three, followed by Steve Smith, Travis Head and Cameron Green.

With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood injured, Brendan Doggett earns his first cap in an attack led by Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

"I would have had a bat as well," said Smith, who added: "I think the cracks are going to open up as the match progresses."

Teams

Australia: Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood

Umpires: Adrian Holdstock (RSA), Nitin Menon (IND)

TV Umpire: Sharfuddoula Saikat (BAN)

Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)