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Ben Stokes joins England legend in huge captain's feat after grabbing 5-wicket haul on Day 1

Aakash Saini

Ben Stokes celebrating a wicket on Day 1 of Ashes 2025-26 [Source: @ICC/x]Ben Stokes celebrating a wicket on Day 1 of Ashes 2025-26 [Source: @ICC/x]

Ben Stokes led England’s spirited fightback against Australia on Day 1 of the 2025-26 Ashes opener at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday, November 21. After the Englishmen were bundled out for just 172 in 32.5 overs, Stokes picked up five Australian wickets as the hosts reached a troublesome 123-9 in 39 overs by stumps, finding themselves nearly 50 runs away from England.

Through the course of his counterattacking burst, Ben Stokes also attained a significant bowling record held by an England captain, joining former cricketer Bob Willis in the process.

Ben Stokes joins late Bob Willis in rare Ashes record

Ben Stokes picked up his sixth five-wicket haul in Test cricket after claiming sensational figures of 5-23 in six overs against Australia on Day 1 of the 2025-26 Ashes opener. The legendary all-rounder dismissed Travis Head and Cameron Green in quick succession before blazing through Mitchell Starc, Alex Carey and Scott Boland in the space of just seven deliveries.

Through the course of his fighting spell, Ben Stokes also became the first England captain to pick up a five-wicket haul in an Ashes Test match in Australia in nearly 43 years. Previously, late cricketer and former fast bowler Bob Willis picked up figures of 5-66 as England captain against Australia during the Ashes from 1982 at the Gabba in Brisbane. His team, however, lost that match by seven wickets and eventually the series, 1-2.

Ben Stokes’ England, on the other hand, is still in with a fighting chance despite getting skittled out for just 172 on Day 1. The captain’s six-over burst left Australia reeling at 123-9 by stumps as the visitors still find themselves another 49 runs ahead.

Following a 19-wicket opening day, the first Ashes Test will now proceed with Day 2 of the action on Saturday, November 22.