Australia vs. England First Ashes Test Day 1
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The England captain delivered a sensational display with the ball to ignite hopes of a famous Ashes victory in the first Test in Perth, but his strategy helped the tourists seize the moment on day one
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.
For the first time in a generation, England finally have the pace bowling to truly worry Australia down under, writes Stephan Shemilt.
BRUISED, battered, covered in strapping and needing medical treatment, Australia’s batsmen must have felt they entered a war zone. Ben Stokes seized the most wickets as the Ashes began but it was
An astonishing day in Perth saw 19 wickets fall as batters crumpled in the face of breathless pace on the quickest track in world cricket
The Ashes, with all its tradition and glory, are a huge burden for the visiting team at the same time. The world’s cricket fans are all set to witness another thrilling battle between the Ashes holders and the challengers.
England's biggest decision surrounds the possible inclusion of Shoaib Bashir on a pitch expected to offer pace and bounce for their fast bowlers. Australia's Nathan Lyon has a formidable record at Perth Stadium, with 29 wickets at 20.86, but visiting spinners have a combined record of eight wickets at 87.50 at the venue.
England eye a first away Ashes victory since 2010-11, with Australia hit by injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood