For the first time in a generation, England finally have the pace bowling to truly worry Australia down under, writes Stephan Shemilt.

Technically, they have been all in since the start of the 2024 summer, when Rob Key - and we're paraphrasing here - said relying on traditional English seamers was hot trash in overseas conditions, and changed needed to come. That change was forcing James Anderson into retirement. But even the axing of a great only confirmed the concept.

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.

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

Australia got their Ashes defence off to the perfect start on Friday with frontline quick Mitchell Starc decimating England's batting lineup by claiming a career-best 7-58 to help bowl the visitors out for 172 before tea on day one of the Perth test.

Australia closed on 123-9 in reply to England being dismissed for 172 in a dramatic start to the Ashes; Ben Stokes took a five-for to lead the tourists fightback; England have not won a Test in Austra

Australia host England in the first Ashes Test in Perth - follow live scores, radio commentary, video highlights and updates.