Harry Brook Falls After DRS Review in Perth Ashes Test

England vice-captain Harry Brook found himself at the centre of a dramatic moment on Day 1 of the Perth Ashes Test after trying to play down an edge—but eventually walking off once Australia sent the decision upstairs. The incident ended an impressive innings of 52 off 61 balls and shifted momentum firmly in Australia’s favour.

The breakthrough came from debutant Brendan Doggett, who delivered a sharp short ball directed at Brook’s ribs. The England batter attempted to get out of the line but couldn’t evade cleanly. The ball flicked the top glove of his left hand before travelling safely to wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

While umpire Nitin Menon showed no interest in the appeal, Steve Smith and Carey were immediately convinced. Despite Doggett appearing unsure, Smith opted for the DRS. As technology revealed a clear spike on RTS, Brook—already aware of the glove contact—began walking even before the confirmation.

Before the dismissal, Australia had not consistently targeted Brook with the short ball, although Smith placed a fielder in anticipation of the pull shot as soon as Brook arrived at the crease. The England batter played positively, ducking a bouncer from Mitchell Starc and bringing up his half-century with authority, marking his 24th fifty in just 31 Tests.

Brook’s departure triggered a collapse. England were bowled out for 172 shortly after lunch, courtesy of a fiery spell from Starc, who returned extraordinary figures of 7 for 58. Bowling at high pace and consistently shaping the ball away, Starc dismantled England’s batting order with ruthless precision. His performance marked his 17th Test five-wicket haul and his fifth in Ashes cricket, following his remarkable 6 for 9 in his previous outing.

Starc’s relentless accuracy—rarely dropping below 140 kph—proved too much for England’s top and middle order, with Crawley, Root, Duckett, Stokes and Atkinson all falling to edges or subtle seam movement.

As Brook prepares for the second innings, his dismissal while backing away from a short ball will likely shape Australia’s plans and England’s counter-strategy as the Test progresses.