Veteran quick Mitchell Starc was in devastating form, taking a career-best 7-58. But by the close, Ben Stokes was bouncing through Australian batters — and then the celebrations of his England team-mates — to bag 5-23 himself to ensure the visitors sleep well ahead of tomorrow’s second day, when Australia will resume on 123 for nine.

Hit them with pace. It was England’s masterplan for three years and it delivered in blood-curdling style, causing a jitteriness in Australian batsmen not seen for decades in an Ashes Test.

England reduce Australia to 123-9 after being rolled for 172 on 19-wicket opening day of first Ashes Test; Mitchell Starc takes Test-best 7-58 for Australia, including Joe Root (0) and Ben Stokes (6),...

It was very clear after the interminable build-up that most players on both sides were incredibly nervous.