Start in Perth: 10.20am local/1.20pm AEDT/2.20am GMT
Day one report | Ashes top 100 | Series omens | Mail Geoff
If you missed the remarkable day one of the first Test, or just want to relive what was the highest of drama, Ali Martin reported on all the action from Perth Stadium.
Not since Old Trafford in 1909, when 20 batters were sent packing, have more wickets fallen on the first day of an Ashes Test. There were 19 here, a fast-bowling festival, and those England supporters back home who woke up midway through could have been forgiven for feeling a bit played.
An initial collapse to 172 all out in 32.5 overs by the tourists must have been like discovering a horse’s head in the bed, reason to once again bemoan the excesses of so-called Bazball. But Ben Stokes (five for 23) and his fellow quicks then delivered a far more instructive message, reducing Australia to 123 for nine by stumps and inflicting a good few bruises to go with it.
