Nineteen wickets fell during a chaotic opening day of the first Ashes Test in Perth. England holds a 49-run lead after Australia reached 123-9 at stumps on Friday.
Mitchell Starc demolished England’s batting with figures of 7-58 at Perth Stadium. The Australian pace bowler put his side in control after England scored 172.
Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat on a perfect day. His decision backfired as England collapsed after a promising start.
Harry Brook scored 52 and Ollie Pope made 46 in England’s only significant partnerships. The tourists crumbled after lunch against Australia’s pace attack.
England’s bowlers responded magnificently in Australia’s innings. Captain Ben Stokes led the fightback with exceptional figures of 5-23.
Brydon Carse took two wickets including prized scalp Steve Smith. The England bowler celebrated a remarkable day of cricket in Perth.
“What a day,” Carse told broadcasters after stumps. “Everyone who came today got their money’s worth with 19 wickets.”
Nathan Lyon remains unbeaten on three with Brendon Doggett yet to score. Australia trails by 49 runs heading into day two.
Jake Weatherald endured a brutal Test debut for Australia. Jofra Archer dismissed him for a second-ball duck with a searing delivery.
Marnus Labuschagne managed nine runs from 41 balls before falling to Archer. The Australian batsman couldn’t handle England’s pace bowling assault.
Steve Smith scored 17 before Carse caught him at slip. Brook took a sharp chance to remove Australia’s star batsman.
Usman Khawaja lasted just six balls after entering at number four. Carse’s bouncer found an edge to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
Cameron Green, Travis Head, Alex Carey and Starc all started positively. However, captain Stokes removed them when he entered the attack.
All five previous Tests at Perth Stadium favoured teams batting first. England challenged that statistic despite their poor start.
Starc claimed his 17th five-wicket haul during England’s innings. The veteran paceman ruthlessly cleaned up England’s tail with Doggett.
You must be logged in to post a comment.