The Ashes: Social media lights up as sporting celebrities and media personalities flock to Day 1 in Perth

Social media erupted as the first ball of the Ashes series was bowled, with predictions and excited updates from celebrities, athletes and fans enjoying the electric opening-day atmosphere at Optus Stadium. England talk show host Piers Morgan wasted no time declaring his confidence in the visitors, taking to X early on Friday to announce his bold prediction. “The Ashes is upon us,” he wrote. “England has a better team, a better captain and better management. The urn is coming home, and I genuinely think we’ll beat Australia either 4-0 or 5-0. “No mercy — destroy!” Morgan said. Fremantle Dockers players Josh Tracey and Alex Pearce shared videos from their seats, capturing the perfect pitch and blue skies as they settled in for day one. WA born professional golfer Min Woo Lee also joined in online, calling the Perth conditions “peachy” in his Instagram story. Aussie comedian and presenter Andy Lee posted a video of the ground — along with a smiling selfie beside his dad — joking that “a beer every wicket seems to be working as a strategy”. Brooke Warne, daughter of the late cricket legend Shane Warne, paid tribute to her father with a heartfelt Instagram post. “Happy Ashes Day to all that celebrate,” she wrote, sharing a carousel of childhood photos featuring her dad in his Australia kit, set to Billy Joel’s We Didn’t Start the Fire. The post drew more than 3000 likes in just 10 hours, with nearly 100 comments — including one from model and media personality Bec Judd, who wrote “Yewwwwwwwww”. Social media favourites Those Carter Boys, who shot to fame during the 2024 Paris Olympics, flew from Brisbane to Perth just for the opening day. The duo posted the first wicket to their combined 270,000 Instagram and TikTok followers, capturing the roar of the Optus crowd. Even those watching from afar joined the digital buzz. Former Australian Test captain Michael Clarke shared a photo of the Ashes playing on his television from his Sydney home. Back at the grounds, Emma Lyon, wife of star spinner Nathan Lyon, documented her trip to Optus Stadium, updating her 16,400 Instagram followers with a playful warning. “It’s the ashes, get ready for cricket content... (I) promise, there will still be cute outfits,” she wrote.