Journalism of Courage
HIGHLIGHTS Australia vs England, The Ashes 2025/26, 1st Test- Result, Scorecard
Match Ended
Australia beat England by 8 wickets
Australia lead the 5 Test series 1-0
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Travis Headc Ollie Pope b Brydon Carse
123
83
16
4
Jake Weatheraldc Ben Duckett b Brydon Carse
23
34
3
0
Marnus Labuschagnenot out
51
49
6
1
Steve Smithnot out
2
4
0
0
Usman Khawaja
Cameron Green
Nathan Lyon
Brendan Doggett
Scott Boland
Total
28.2 Over (RR: 7.24)
205/2
Fall of Wickets
1-75 (Jake Weatherald, 11.3 ov), 2-192 (Travis Head, 26.5 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Jofra Archer
8
0
45
0
Gus Atkinson
9
1
61
0
Brydon Carse
5.2
0
44
2
Mark Wood
3
0
23
0
Ben Stokes
2
0
18
0
Joe Root
1
0
12
0
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Zak Crawleyc & b Mitchell Starc
0
5
0
0
Ben Duckettc Steve Smith b Scott Boland
28
40
3
0
Ollie Popec Alex Carey b Scott Boland
33
57
2
0
Joe Rootb Mitchell Starc
8
11
1
0
Harry Brookc Usman Khawaja b Scott Boland
0
3
0
0
Ben Stokesc Steve Smith b Mitchell Starc
2
11
0
0
Jamie Smithc Alex Carey b Brendan Doggett
15
25
1
0
Gus Atkinsonc Brendan Doggett b Scott Boland
37
32
2
2
Brydon Carsec Alex Carey b Brendan Doggett
20
20
1
2
Jofra Archerc Steve Smith b Brendan Doggett
5
3
1
0
Mark Woodnot out
4
1
1
0
Total
34.4 Over (RR: 4.73)
164/10
Fall of Wickets
1-0 (Zak Crawley, 0.5 ov), 2-65 (Ben Duckett, 16.2 ov), 3-76 (Ollie Pope, 18.3 ov), 4-76 (Harry Brook, 19 ov), 5-76 (Joe Root, 19.2 ov), 6-88 (Ben Stokes, 24.4 ov), 7-104 (Jamie Smith, 27.1 ov), 8-154 (Brydon Carse, 33.1 ov), 9-160 (Jofra Archer, 33.5 ov), 10-164 (Gus Atkinson, 34.4 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Scott Boland
11.4
2
33
4
Brendan Doggett
9
0
51
3
Cameron Green
2
0
13
0
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Jake Weatheraldlbw b Jofra Archer
0
2
0
0
Marnus Labuschagneb Jofra Archer
9
41
1
0
Steve Smithc Harry Brook b Brydon Carse
17
49
2
0
Usman Khawajac Jamie Smith b Brydon Carse
2
6
0
0
Travis Headc Brydon Carse b Ben Stokes
21
35
1
0
Cameron Greenc Jamie Smith b Ben Stokes
24
50
2
0
Nathan Lyonc Ben Duckett b Brydon Carse
4
21
0
0
Scott Bolandc Harry Brook b Ben Stokes
0
2
0
0
Brendan Doggettnot out
7
30
0
0
Total
45.2 Over (RR: 2.91)
132/10
Fall of Wickets
1-0 (Jake Weatherald, 0.2 ov), 2-28 (Marnus Labuschagne, 14.2 ov), 3-30 (Steve Smith, 15.5 ov), 4-31 (Usman Khawaja, 17.2 ov), 5-76 (Travis Head, 29.1 ov), 6-83 (Cameron Green, 31.1 ov), 7-118 (Mitchell Starc, 36 ov), 8-121 (Alex Carey, 37.4 ov), 9-121 (Scott Boland, 38 ov), 10-132 (Nathan Lyon, 45.2 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Jofra Archer
9
4
11
2
Gus Atkinson
12
5
24
0
Mark Wood
8
1
21
0
Brydon Carse
10.2
1
45
3
Ben Stokes
6
1
23
5
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Zak Crawleyc Usman Khawaja b Mitchell Starc
0
6
0
0
Ben Duckettlbw b Mitchell Starc
21
20
4
0
Ollie Popelbw b Cameron Green
46
58
4
0
Joe Rootc Marnus Labuschagne b Mitchell Starc
0
7
0
0
Harry Brookc Alex Carey b Brendan Doggett
52
61
5
1
Ben Stokesb Mitchell Starc
6
12
0
0
Jamie Smithc Cameron Green b Mitchell Starc
33
22
6
0
Gus Atkinsonc Steve Smith b Mitchell Starc
1
2
0
0
Brydon Carsec Marnus Labuschagne b Brendan Doggett
6
9
1
0
Jofra Archernot out
0
1
0
0
Mark Woodc Alex Carey b Mitchell Starc
0
1
0
0
Total
32.5 Over (RR: 5.24)
172/10
Fall of Wickets
1-0 (Zak Crawley, 1 ov), 2-33 (Ben Duckett, 6.4 ov), 3-39 (Joe Root, 8.5 ov), 4-94 (Ollie Pope, 20 ov), 5-115 (Ben Stokes, 24.5 ov), 6-160 (Harry Brook, 29.5 ov), 7-161 (Gus Atkinson, 30.1 ov), 8-168 (Brydon Carse, 31.5 ov), 9-172 (Jamie Smith, 32.4 ov), 10-172 (Mark Wood, 32.5 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Scott Boland
10
0
62
0
Brendan Doggett
7
1
27
2
Nathan Lyon
2
0
10
0
Cameron Green
1
0
10
1
Commentary
Welcome back for Australia's response with the bat. We are hearing that Usman Khawaja won't come out to open for the hosts, as he was off the field for a long time and didn't spend much time on the field upon his return. As a result, it will be Marnus Labuschagne who will partner the debutant Jake Weatherald. Both walk out to the crease to open. The English players spread out of the huddle and take their spots on the field. Jofra Archer will open the attack for England. Here we go...
... SECOND INNINGS ...
A word of appreciation for the debutant, Brendan Doggett. You wait for moments like these on your debut and he made this maiden opportunity count, that too, in the Ashes. He exploited the pace and bounce of the wicket and tested the batters through those short balls. In the absence of the two frontline pacers in this Aussie camp, Starc needed someone to shoulder the load. Well, most of the damage was inflicted by the tall left-armer, but Doggett deserves equal credit for supporting him. Scott Boland looked off rhythm for the most part, but that hardly mattered. Well then, it ended way before than expected for England. And now, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood need to make the most of their opening bursts to pressurise the Aussie top order, which has been a bit inconsistent lately as well. Back in a bit. Stay tuned.
Bazball arrived for the first time Down Under, but it was Bazball without brains. Not being too critical, but that's what one might describe this England innings as. Apart from Ollie Pope, no batter tried to spend time on the crease. Harry Brook, with his signature aggression, tried to counterpunch, and so did Jamie Smith, but they couldn't build on their starts and threw it away. And once Brook was gone, the wheels just came off for England in the blink of an eye. Only four batters crossed double digits, with Brook the only one to score a half century. But most of the wickets were off rash shots and of course, some lethal spell of bowling by Starc.
A disappointing collapse for England and 32.5 overs is all it took for Australia to wrap this English batting ruthlessly. Coming into this opening Test, a lot was talked about how this depleted Australian pace attack would operate in the absence of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. Well, that was brilliantly answered by Mitchell Starc, who completed with the best figures of his Test career. There hasn't been a single dull moment and that's what everyone anticipated.
32.5
W
Mitchell Starc to Mark Wood, OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Mitchell Starc doesn't waste any time and wraps things up, finishing with a sensational seven-wicket haul as well. Starc bangs it in well short and bowls it around the off stump line. Mark Wood backs away and looks to uppercut it over point, but gets a top edge that goes high and behind the stumps. The keeper, Alex Carey, settles under it and takes an easy catch. England are all out for 172 after being 160/5 just a few minutes ago.
Mark Wood is the last batter in for England.
32.4
W
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the man in the deep and Jamie Smith will be kicking himself. Mitchell Starc serves the ball on a hard length and bowls it over the stumps. Smith picks it up nice and early again but tries to take on the big square boundaries and pulls it flat towards deep mid-wicket. Cameron Green makes no mistake and takes it with both hands just over his head. Smith departs for an entertaining 33 (22) and Australia are just one wicket away from bundling England out as Starc has his 6th wicket.
32.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Goes for a wide yorker and pushes it well outside off, Smith reaches out to drive but gets it off the toe end of the blade towards mid on. They don't try for the single.
32.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and over middle, Smith backs away early, exposing his stumps and swings across the line but misses.
32.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, FOUR! That is a shot and a half! Banged in short over middle, Jamie Smith is quick to pick it up and clobbers the pull shot wide of mid on and the ball rockets to the fence.
32
over
32 | 1 Runs | HH: 168/8
31.6
0
Brendan Doggett to Jofra Archer, Another bumper from Doggett, Archer ducks under it well.
We missed it. Usman Khawaja was off the field and is walking back in now. Boland is still off though. Jofra Archer is the next batter for England at number 10.
31.5
W
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, OUT! CAUGHT! Persistent short-ball pressure from Brendan Doggett and he gets his second wicket. Another short ball, banged in over middle and off stump, Brydon Carse picks it up early and swings the pull shot away firmly and down towards deep backward square leg. The ball travels quickly and a bit flat but Marnus Labuschagne takes a brilliant catch just over his shoulders. That was probably the biggest boundary on the field, and even though Carse hit it so well, he didn't get enough elevation on it. England are now 8 down now on 168.
31.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, Banged in short again and outside off, Carse looks to get on his toes and slash it away but is beaten by the extra bounce.
That was a nasty delivery from Doggett. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood must be loving to watch this pace and bounce from the dressing room though. A mandatory concussion test for Carse is concluded and he is fine to continue.
31.3
0
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, Oh, flush on the grill and that is a nasty blow to get. Brendan Doggett serves another sharp bumper around off stump and Crase just looks to turn his head away from the ball, but the ball smashes into the helmet and the replays show the helmet turning a few degrees as well. The physio will now come out, but that was a dangerous leave from Carse.
31.2
0
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, A quick bumper, over middle stump and gets it in at an awkward height as well. Carse does well to duck under it.
31.1
1
Brendan Doggett to Jamie Smith, Banged in short and over the left shoulder, Smith looks to take it on and miscues the pull over backward square leg for a single.
31
over
31 | 6 Runs | HH: 167/7
30.6
2
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Full and a bit wide outside off, Carse leans across and pushes it through the gap between point and cover and picks up a couple of runs.
30.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Hard length around off, Carse hops back and tentatively jabs it into the off side.
30.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Oh, that's not too far away from the outside edge as well. Full of a good length and in the channel around off, this one holds its line as well. Carse has a poke at it, but the ball zips past the outside edge.
30.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, On a good length, attacking middle and leg, Carse watchfully defends.
30.2
4
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, FOUR! Slashed away. Fuller in length and pushed across the off stump, Brydon Carse throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge that goes between the slip cordon and gully for a boundary.
Brydon Carse is in at number 9 with England in all sorts of trouble.
30.1
W
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Five-star from Starc and the crowd erupts as Australia get their 7th wicket and we are just 30 overs into the Test match. Mitchell Starc serves the ball up on a fullish length on off and middle and gets it to naturally angle away from the right-hander. Gus Atkinson leans halfway into the drive and pushes at it but gets a thick outside edge that goes between first and second slip. Steve Smith moves swiftly to his left at second slip and takes a sharp catch and after a bit of a counterpunch from England, the Aussies are back in command. This is Starc's 17th five-wicket haul in Tests and the fifth alone against England. What a bowler!
30
over
30 | 9 Runs | HH: 161/6
29.6
1
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Short and on middle, Gus Atkinson pulls it to deep square leg for one.
Gus Atkinson walks in at 8.
29.5
W
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Out of nowhere, Brendan Doggett gets his MAIDEN TEST WICKET. He bangs in a good bouncer, on middle and leg, Harry Brook gets into two minds, whether to pull it away or let it go. He decides not to go with the shot but fails to get out of the way as the ball kisses his gloves and goes behind, where Alex Carey takes a good catch moving to his left. There is a big shout, but the umpire says no. However, the Aussies look pretty confident here, and Steve Smith takes the review. Well, as soon as it is sent upstairs, Brook starts to walk back, as he knows it is out. Big celebrations and a huge moment for Doggett. Brook departs for 52 off 61, and England are 160/6.
29.4
3
Brendan Doggett to Jamie Smith, More runs! Lands this on a good length and around off, Jamie Smith opens the face of his bat and guides it through the backward point region. Nathan Lyon chases after it and collects it just before the ropes. Three taken.
29.3
1
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, Hard length but angling down the leg side, Harry Brook hooks it away towards deep fine leg for a run.
29.2
3
Brendan Doggett to Jamie Smith, Short of a length but way outside off, Jamie Smith uses the width on offer and slaps it through covers for three runs.
29.1
1
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, Back of a length and on middle, Harry Brook heaves it through mid-wicket for a single.
This has been a lovely counterpunch from England. These two blokes have added 37 runs together in an alliance of 25 balls so far. And oh, Scott Boland is walking off the field. He is limping off after taking a bad tumble to stop the boundary. Probably needs some treatment as he has hurt his knee. Michael Neser walks in as his substitute. A change in bowling as Brendan Doggett (5-1-18-0) comes into the attack, replacing Boland.
29
over
29 | 14 Runs | HH: 152/5
28.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Another boundary! Mitchell Starc gets it all wrong and lands his on a hard length, down the leg side. Jamie Smith gets it away towards fine leg again. Scott Boland runs a long way to his right and dives, but his knee gets stuck on the ground and he makes a mess of it as the ball rolls away to the fence for four runs. 14 runs off the over. 150 UP FOR ENGLAND.
28.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, FIFTY FOR BROOK! Number 14 of his Test career. His 5th half century against Australia. A fantastic knock from him and this should give him a lot of confidence going ahead in this Ashes. Back of a length and on middle and leg, Harry Brook rolls his wrists and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one. He raises his bat to soak in the applause.
28.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Goes fuller but down the leg side, Jamie Smith glances it away, but the fielder at deep fine leg moves quickly to his right to cut it out. A single taken.
28.3
4
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Short of a length and around leg, but not enough to trouble the batter. Jamie Smith picks it off his hips and, with a flick of the wrists, whips it behind square on the leg side for another boundary.
28.2
4
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Overpitched and on middle, Jamie Smith presents the full face of the bat and hits it through the line. He drives it gloriously back past the bowler to the long off fence for a boundary. Does not get much better than that.
28.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Pitched on middle, on a good length, Jamie Smith leans forward and defends.
28
over
28 | 9 Runs | HH: 138/5
27.6
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Nagging length, around off, blocked off the back foot to cover.
27.5
4
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Back of a length, outside off. Harry Brook skips down the track and smashes it to the left of cover. The ball rolls in the vast pocket and slows down in the outfield and plugs just before the boundary cushions. Travis Head from long off, runs a long way across to his left and mops it up. The batters cross for four runs. That would have surely been a boundary on any other ground. Brook is on 49 now.
27.4
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, In two minds there, was Brook! Boland bowls it short and keeps the line of attack outside off. Brook lines up to pull, but decides to leave it.
27.3
1
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, On a hard length, around off. Jamie Smith hangs back and punches it through the cover region for a single.
27.2
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, On a nagging length, outside off, Jamie gets on the back foot and knocks it to cover-point.
27.1
4
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Stand and deliver! Short of a good length, on top of middle. Jamie Smith rises up with the bounce and bunts it straight down the ground for a cracking boundary. Sort of a straight pull from Jamie there.
27
over
27 | 8 Runs | HH: 129/5
26.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Wide outside off, a full toss, but Brook misses to connect it through cover.
26.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, You just never know what Brook is about to do! He charges forward and moves leg side of the ball to slash it through point. But Starc cunningly angles it across the batter and the angle is wide outside off. Brook aborts to poke at it as the ball carries back to the keeper.
26.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Down leg on a length. Brook misses the flick shot. Carey moves a bit to his left and gathers it around his midriff. Good pace and carry.
26.3
4
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, FOUR! Right out of the coach's manual! A bit of battle of egos here between these two. Starc goes full and straight on middle. Harry Brook plays with a vertically angled bat as he leans forward with a lovely extension of his elbows. Drives it gun-barrel straight down the ground for a boundary.
26.2
4
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, FOUR! Played fine enough! Short from Starc, on the leg stump, rearing up a bit as well. Brook takes off his bottom hand from the handle but tickles it through short fine leg for a boundary.
26.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Starc replies with a steep bumper, but this goes down leg. Brook is happy to see that off as he gets inside the line to leave.
26
over
26 | 6 Runs | HH: 121/5
25.6
4
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, FOUR! Soft hands! On a good length, nipping away late off the deck from middle. Jamie Smith waits back and opens the bat face deliberately at the last second. Guides the ball off the outer half of the bat through the gully region for a boundary.
25.5
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Way down leg! Boland spears it on a tad fuller length, and angles it into the batter. Jamie Smith gets a bit across to flick it away, but the ball beats the inside edge and thuds on the thigh pad. A confident appeal for LBW, but not given. Scott Boland fancies that and there is a conference between him and Smith. And oh! Just in the nick of time, Smith signals the 'T'. Nothing on the Snicko and the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is projected to miss the leg stump by a fair margin. Australia burn a review as the on-field decision is upheld.
25.4
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, On a back of a length, outside off, punched off the back foot by Jamie to backward point.
25.3
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Just around off, on a hard length, at 134.5 kph. Jamie Smith prods half-forward and defends it to mid off.
25.2
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, At 133.2 kph, on a good length, outside off. Jamie Smith plays from the crease, lets the ball arrive and taps it beside the pitch on the off side.
25.2
1
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Pitched full and around off and middle. Jamie flicks this to mid-wicket. Oh, dear! No Ball called as Boland has overstepped.
25.1
1
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, On a back of a length, on top of middle. Brook rises on the toes and knocks one through square leg for a single.
25
over
25 | 2 Runs | HH: 115/5
24.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Full and around middle, pushed off the front foot to mid on.
Jamie Smith comes out to the middle now for his first taste of Ashes Down Under.
24.5
W
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, OUT! BOWLED! Too loose from Stokes. What a lovely setup from Starc to get rid of the English captain. After three consecutive deliveries outside off, Mitchell Starc aims the sticks this time around. Slams the deck hard on a good length, and the ball cuts back into the batter. Ben Stokes is flummoxed as he pushes half forward and tries to work it straight down the ground. But he is cramped up for room and is nowhere near the pitch of the ball and that creates a huge gap between the bat and pad. Enough for the ball to sneak through the gates and crash into the stumps behind, making an absolute mess of the off pole. A four-fer for Starc as Ben Stokes falls for 6 (12). England are 115/5.
24.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Identical line and length. Stokes does the same. Leaves the harmless delivery off the back foot. Expect one or two to angle into the batter now.
24.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Outside off, on a short length. Stokes leaves it alone.
24.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, On a good length, outside off, Stokes lets it be.
24.1
2
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, The call is for two and they hustle back for it. Back of a length, on middle and leg, Stokes flicks it between mid-wicket and mid on for a couple of runs.
Who bowls now? It will be Mitchell Starc.
24
over
24 | 8 Runs | HH: 113/4
23.6
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Fuller in length, around off, Harry Brook prods forward and steers it to the right of the man at gully with soft hands.
23.5
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Aimed at the sticks, on a short of a good length, at 134.8 kph. Brook lets the ball arrive, weighs on the back foot and punches it to mid on.
23.4
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Back of a length, angling in and around middle. Harry Brook responds with a confident front foot block.
23.3
2
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Onto the leg stump line, on a good length. Brook tucks it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.
23.2
6
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, SIX! Gets beaten on the first ball and smashes one beyond the ropes in the second delivery. No nerves at all. This is full from Boland, on the stumps. Harry backs away, creates ample room for himself and flatly smashes it over wide long off for a six.
23.1
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, BEATEN! Lovely delivery to start off the session. Boland hits the length hard, outside off. It lands and straightens just enough to beat the outside edge of Brook who looks to push it to the off side.
We are back for the second session! The Australian players are coming out to the middle, led by Steve Smith, and take up their respective field positions. Harry Brook and Ben Stokes will resume batting for England. Scott Boland will start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...
England still managed to cross the 100-run mark for the session, with Harry Brook and Ben Stokes guiding them to the break. This duo will aim to build another strong stand after Lunch, while Australia will look to strike early again to heap further pressure on the visitors. Join us at 5 am GMT to catch all the action of the post-Lunch session.
It was a different tale in the second hour as England weathered a tricky phase but kept the runs flowing. Ollie Pope looked assured at the crease, while Harry Brook, after a couple of loose swings, settled into his rhythm, and the pair added 55 vital runs. But with just about 10 minutes left for Lunch, Steve Smith turned to Cameron Green, and the all-rounder delivered instantly, removing the well-set Pope for 46 to swing the momentum back Australia’s way.
It wasn’t quite a repeat of the Rory Burns moment from 2021, but Mitchell Starc still struck in the very first over, removing Zak Crawley for a duck. After that, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope managed to steady the ship for a while - Duckett unfurling some gorgeous drives down the ground and even pushing Scott Boland off his usually immaculate lengths. But just as England seemed to be settling in, Starc doubled down on his early breakthrough, first removing Duckett and then snaring the big one - Joe Root for a duck, leaving England wobbling at 39/3 heading into Drinks.
'Ashes cricket doesn’t ease you in - it throws you into the fire.' If the build-up to this Ashes series promised fireworks, the opening session of the first Test delivered them in full. England came out swinging with their trademark ‘Bazball’ intent, but that aggression had a cost. Mitchell Starc ensured Australia barely felt the absence of Cummins and Hazlewood, ripping through the top order with a fiery, relentless opening burst that firmly planted the Aussies in control.
23
over
23 | 7 Runs | HH: 105/4
22.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Outside off, on a short length, at 142.6 kph, well watched by Stokes as he leaves it alone. And that will be LUNCH on Day 1!
22.5
2
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Nicely timed, but for a couple! Full and on middle and leg, Ben Stokes uses his wrists and works it down the ground to the right of mid on. Travis Head sprints after it and mops it up before the ropes.
22.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Full and straight, on off, Ben Stokes with a crisp front foot drive, but finds extra cover.
22.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Back of a length, around off, skidding through. Stokes shapes up to hang his bat in the air to leave, but the ball goes off the bottom edge and bounces towards gully.
22.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, He is on the move again! Brook charges down the track to play a similar shot, but Starc smartly follows the batter and attacks the pads on a good length, Brook is forced to adjust his shot through square leg for a single.
22.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, FOUR! Big and bold from Brook! Starc lands it on a fuller length, on the middle stump line. Harry Brook dances down the track and creates room for him. He smashes the ball past mid off for a cracking boundary. 100 UP FOR ENGLAND.
22
over
22 | 4 Runs | HH: 98/4
21.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Harry Brook, Full again, on middle, Brook uses his wrists and carves it down to the right of the diving Nathan Lyon. The ball rolls down to long on for a single.
21.5
0
Nathan Lyon to Harry Brook, Pitched full and on middle, Brook defends it off the front foot. A bit of inside edge as the ball goes on the bounce to forward short leg.
21.4
1
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Full, on off, Stokes pushes it down to long off for a single.
21.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Harry Brook, On middle and leg, short in length. Harry Brook hangs deep in the crease and nudges it to the right of mid-wicket for a single. Marnus Labuschagne is quick enough to get across to his right and cut it off and prevent any other run.
21.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, The English captain is off the mark! Fuller delivery, on off, Ben Stokes presses forward and drills it through mid off for a single.
21.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Ben Stokes, Nice and full, around off. Stokes leans on it and drives it to short extra cover.
Change of ends for Nathan Lyon.
21
over
21 | 0 Runs | HH: 94/4
20.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, On a length, on the leg stump line, Harry Brook flicks it to mid-wicket.
20.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Now that is what you call a rash shot! 8 minutes or so before the Lunch break and Harry winds up on this short ball, on top of middle. He backs away and tries to cut it over point, but misses by a long way.
20.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Good length at 142.5 kph, on middle. It straightens just enough to square up Brook who manages to fend it off to the cover region. Acknowledgement comes from Brook for Starc.
20.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Seams away from middle, on a good length. Harry Brook hangs back and punches it to mid off.
20.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Bangs it short and on top of off, Harry Brook rises with the bounce and steers it late to the gully fielder on the bounce.
20.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, A bit erratic to start the fresh spell. Starc runs full tilt, but spears it down leg, on a length. Brook misses glancing it off the pads. Carey collects it to his left.
Skipper Ben Stokes walks out to bat now. An expected reception for him as 'Boos' goes all around the Optus Stadium. Also, Mitchell Starc (6-3-17-3) is back on.
20
over
20 | 10 Runs | HH: 94/4
19.6
W
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, OUT! LBW! Cameron Green gets a big wicket in his first over in front of his home crowd. He spots Pope moving across in the crease and lasers it straight and full, angling into the leg stump line. Ollie Pope has already shuffled across and looks to flick, but his head falls over and the ball breezes past the inside edge, striking him on the front pad. A lengthy appeal for LBW and Nitin Menon obliges. This looks pretty straight and only an edge can save Pope here. He chats with Brook and goes upstairs. Oh, hang on. Is it sliding down leg? Nope. UltraEdge shows no bat involved and the Ball Tracking comes up with the ball projected to clip the leg stump on the umpire's call. Pope goes for a well-made 46 (58) and the 55-run partnership is broken. Green has now dismissed Pope for the third time in Test cricket. England are 94/4.
19.5
1
Cameron Green to Harry Brook, Back of a length, slightly outside off, Brook gets on top of it and punches it to the left of cover for a quick single.
19.4
3
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Fractionally full and angling into the batter. Pope goes back into the crease and flicks it through mid-wicket for three runs. Good running!
19.3
4
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Now that is a top shot! Overpitched from Green, on off. Ollie Pope gets on the front foot and drives it to the left of mid on for a boundary. The English batters have been very productive playing the V against the pacers. With that, the 50-RUN STAND also comes up for this pair.
19.2
1
Cameron Green to Harry Brook, Shortish delivery, attacked on the bodyline, skidding through. Brook is rushed on the back foot as he swivels and pulls it towards backward square leg for a single.
19.1
1
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Pops up from the deck, on a good length, around off. Ollie Pope is taken aback and fends it through backward point for a single.
Change from both ends. Cameron Green has also been introduced into the attack now.
19
over
19 | 6 Runs | HH: 84/3
18.6
1
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Not that short and around off. Pope goes on the back foot to negotiate a full delivery that spins back in. Manages to cut it late between gully and backward point for a single.
18.5
1
Nathan Lyon to Harry Brook, Short in length, spinning in a touch from the fourth stump. Harry Brook backs away and cuts it to backward point for a single.
18.4
2
Nathan Lyon to Harry Brook, Pitched outside off, full in length, Harry Brook drives off the front foot through cover-point for a couple of runs.
18.3
1
Nathan Lyon to Ollie Pope, Overpitched, outside off, Pope carves it to extra cover. The fielder there, Usman Khawaja, dives to his right but makes a half stop and the ball is parried to the left of mid off. A single taken.
18.2
1
Nathan Lyon to Harry Brook, Full and around off, Harry Brook gets on the front foot and slashes it through point for a single.
18.1
0
Nathan Lyon to Harry Brook, Starts with a full ball, at 87.6 kph, on off. Harry Brook stretches forward and steers it to cover-point.
Change? Yes, time for some spin now as Nathan Lyon comes into the attack.
18
over
18 | 1 Runs | HH: 78/3
17.6
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Nips away from off, on a good length. Ollie Pope closely watches it and leaves.
17.5
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, The stumps are attacked on a good length, Ollie Pope covers the line and blocks it off the back foot.
17.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Touch full and around off, Pope leans forward and drives it straight to mid off.
17.3
1
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, On a shortish length, on the pads, this is nudged off the back foot to deep square leg for a single. Nicely setting at the crease, are these two. The partnership grows to 39 runs.
17.2
0
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, Short of a good length, on the leg stump. Brook ducks under it.
17.1
0
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, Fullish on the pads, flicked away to the right of mid on.
Before the start of this Test, Brendan Doggett received his Baggy Green from fellow Indigenous cricketer Scott Boland. This also marks the first time in Australia’s Test history that two Indigenous players have featured in the same Test XI. Doggett now becomes only the third Indigenous cricketer to represent Australia in Test cricket, following in the footsteps of Jason Gillespie and Boland.
17
over
17 | 2 Runs | HH: 77/3
16.6
1
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Nervy! On a length, around off, Brook taps it off the back foot in front of cover-point and sniffs a single. He charges for the run, but Pope sends him back. Marnus Labuschagne dives in front and gets rid of the ball, flicking it to the striker's end, but misses his shy as Brook grounds his bat inside the crease. The ball rolls into the leg side, through square leg and with no proper backup there, the batters eventually cross for a single.
16.5
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, On a nagging length, on off, Brook bunts it down the pitch off the back foot.
16.4
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Full and on middle and leg, Harry Brook flicks it off the front foot to the right of mid on. Starc there dives to his right and cuts that off well. Instantly after stopping the ball, he looks at the right ankle, which got in a bit of a tangle. But seems fine to continue.
Scott Boland is still struggling with his line and lengths here. Maybe Steve Smith will look to bring Mitchell Starc back into the attack before Lunch.
16.4
1
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Outside off, on a good length. Harry Brook plays it very late by opening the bat face at the last moment. Steers it straight to the gully fielder on the bounce. Uh, oh! Boland has overstepped and No ball is called.
16.3
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, On a length, on middle, at 134.8 kph, Brook clips it using his wrists, but finds mid on.
16.2
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Boland goes full at 135.5 kph, on off, Harry Brook presses forward to defend, but with the bat angle parallel to the ground, the ball bumps onto his front pad off the inside edge and rolls beside him.
16.1
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Hits the deck hard, on middle and leg. Brook is squared up a bit and punches it down to mid on.
16
over
16 | 4 Runs | HH: 75/3
15.6
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, On a fuller length, on the stumps, Pope drives it straight, but it is cut off by mid on to his left.
15.5
1
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, Touch short and onto the pads, Harry Brook's bottom hand comes off the handle due to that extra bounce and he misses to tuck it into the leg side. The ball deflects off the front thigh pad and rolls to the right of square leg for a leg bye.
15.4
1
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Short of a length, outside off, Ollie Pope arches back a bit and cuts it square through backward point for an easy single.
15.3
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, An odd one that is drifted down leg, on a length. Pope gets inside the line to tickle it to the leg side but misses.
15.2
1
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, Angled on middle and leg, on a good length. Just a gentle tap across the line from Brook, in front of mid on for a single.
15.1
1
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Onto the pads, on a good length, this is steered by Pope, behind square on the leg side for a single.
15
over
15 | 5 Runs | HH: 71/3
14.6
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Boland follows Brook as he backs away and shapes to ramp. But the ball is banged halfway into the pitch and Brook can only jab it to the off side. Nice adjustment from him though.
14.5
4
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, FOUR! Solid from Brook this time around! The field was set for a short ball, but Harry doesn't bother as Boland tricks him with a half volley, on off. He creates a stable base for himself before prodding forward and crisply driving down the ground towards long off for a boundary.
14.4
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Nips in a touch, on off, on a length. Brook fends it to the off side off the back foot.
14.3
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, What was that from Brook? He looks to deposit that towards the Barmy Army in the stands, but misses. On a good length, cutting back into the batter a long way. Harry Brook, with no foot movement at all, tries to heave it over cow corner, but connects with only a handful of air as the ball beats the inside edge.
14.2
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Slants it onto the pads, does Boland. This is flicked off the pads by Brook, but straight to the fielder at mid-wicket.
14.1
1
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Slams the deck hard, at 138.7 kph, on middle. Ollie Pope gets on the back foot, lets the ball arrive and taps it in the mid off and cover gap for a quick single.
14
over
14 | 7 Runs | HH: 66/3
13.6
0
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, A steep bumper from Brendan, on the bodyline. Brook dodges by ducking under.
13.5
3
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Pope continues to attack. He cuts this length-delivery from outside off through backward point. The call is for three straightaway. They run the first couple of runs really hard as Cameron Green sprints after the ball from gully. He slides to flick the ball in the playing area and saves a run for his side as the batters cross each other thrice.
13.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, A bit too straight on this occasion, as this is drifting down leg, on a length. Pope misses glancing it off his hips. Carey collects at chest height behind the stumps, to his left.
13.3
4
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Excellent stroke and Pope moves into his 30s! Too full from Brendan Doggett on this occasion, on middle and leg. Ollie Pope holds his bat tight and close to his body and flicks it through the mid-wicket and mid on gap for a boundary.
13.2
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Nagging length, around off, blocked off the back foot to extra cover.
13.1
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, PEACH! This one cuts Pope in half as Doggett hits the hard length and gets it to cut back in sharply. Ollie Pope is tucked up for space and shapes to cut it square from the original line, but the ball beats the inside edge and fizzes through to the keeper.
13
over
13 | 3 Runs | HH: 59/3
12.6
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Hits the deck really hard, does Boland, angling it into the bodyline. Harry Brook takes his bottom hand off the handle, and fends it off the back foot to the leg side.
12.5
3
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Back of a length, cutting away from middle. Ollie Pope, with his head nice and still, drives it on the rise and down the ground, to the left of mid off. Travis Head chases it from the inner ring as the ball loses its steam in the outfield. Three taken.
12.4
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, On a back of a length, on top of off. Ollie Pope stretches forward and blocks it solidly.
12.3
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Hard length, at 134.1 kph, outside off. Pope leaves it alone.
12.2
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Straightens up a bit, on a good length, around off. Pope is happy to see that off.
12.1
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Boland uses the wider angle and swings in from the fourth stump, on a hard length. Pope trusts the bounce and shoulders arms as the ball breezes above the off pole on its way to Carey.
Mitchell Starc gets a break now. Scott Boland replaces him, and it will be a change of ends for him. Let's see if he can find his rhythm from here.
12
over
12 | 6 Runs | HH: 56/3
11.6
4
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, FOUR! Audacious! Brendan lands it on a good length, and follows the batter's body. Harry Brook backs away, gives himself a massive room and scythes it through backward point for a boundary.
11.5
1
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Fullish delivery, nipping away slightly after pitching. Pope drags the bat in front of the pads and opens the bat face at the point of contact. Steers it to the right of gully where Cameron Green moves in that direction and fumbles. The ball gets parried and they get a single.
11.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Fuller one, on off, Pope leans on and defends.
11.3
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, On a back of a length, on middle, Ollie Pope gets right behind the line and defends it under the blade.
11.2
1
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, Outside off and on a fractionally fuller length. Harry Brook throws his bat at it and drives through extra cover for a single.
11.1
0
Brendan Doggett to Harry Brook, Tails in a touch, full in length, on middle. Harry Brook pushes it back to the bowler.
DRINKS BREAK. Well, that was a struggle all the way through in the first hour for England. And more than anyone else, they need a break to settle their nerves down. Australia's opening hour hands down as all wickets belong to Mitchell Starc so far. Crawley, Duckett, Root, all gone and England need stability through Pope, who has got a start. Brook at the other end will surely not get bogged down by the number of wickets fallen, but they need to be sensible while trying to be a bit aggressive. Boland struggled in his opening spell, but Doggett was fiery in that first over of his. And he will continue bowling after the hydration break.
11
over
11 | 7 Runs | HH: 50/3
10.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Flashy! Mitchell Starc bangs this into the pitch, outside off again. Ollie Pope slashes hard at it and gets an outside edge that flies over the slip cordon to the deep third fence for a boundary. 50 up for England.
10.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Back of a length and just outside off, angling across the batter, Ollie Pope offers no shot at it.
STAT - Mitchell Starc dismissing Joe Root was his 100th Ashes wicket. Now that is a huge feat to achieve. He becomes the 20th bowler overall in this rivalry to do so.
10.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Good length and on middle, Ollie Pope gets behind the line of it and blocks it out down the pitch.
10.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Full again and on off, Ollie Pope drills it away to short cover.
10.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Goes fuller and around off, angling away, Ollie Pope leaves it alone;
10.1
3
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Brave! Short of a length and around middle, Harry Brook uses his feet but stays leg side of the ball. He exposes his stumps but punches it through covers for three runs and gets off the mark.
Top-drawer stuff from Doggett in his debut over for his country. He threatened the pads and the body of Ollie Pope. He has found his rhythm straightaway.
10
over
10 | 4 Runs | HH: 43/3
9.6
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Much fuller and on off, holds its line, Ollie Pope steps across to counter the swing and leaves it alone.
9.5
4
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, FOUR LEG BYES! Just loses his line a bit and bowls this on a length, angling down the leg side. Ollie Pope fails to glance it away but it goes off his pads and races to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
9.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, A big appeal for LBW, but turned down! Pitched up and on off, gets it to shape back in nicely. Ollie Pope tries to play at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads. That saves him there. Brendan Doggett has been spot on so far.
9.3
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Touch fuller and outside off, Ollie Pope leaves it alone.
9.2
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Back of a length and on off, nips back in again, Ollie Pope tries to work it away but misses and takes a blow on his upper body.
9.1
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, My word! Now, that is how you bowl your first ball in Test cricket. Brendan Doggett comes over the wicket, lands this on a good length and gets it jag back in sharply. Ollie Pope looks to push it away, but gets cut in half. The ball goes between the huge gap between bat and pad and just over the stumps.
And here comes the debutant for Australia. At the age of 31, Brendan Doggett, Test cap number 472 for his nation, gets his moment. He replaces Scott Boland.
9
over
9 | 0 Runs | HH: 39/3
8.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Harry Brook, Short of a length and on off, Harry Brook stays back and keeps it out to the off side.
Harry Brook is in at number 5 with England already in a spot of bother.
8.5
W
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Mitchell Starc, you beauty. He is on fire here, and Joe Root's struggles in Australia continue. Good-length delivery, on middle, threatens to angle in but straightens after hitting the deck. Root tries to play it from the crease but gets completely squared up. It takes the outside edge and flies towards second slip, where Marnus Labuschagne juggles a bit, just like Khawaja, but holds onto it. Starc has three now, and Root walks back for his first-ever duck in Australia. England are 39/3.
8.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Hard length and on off, Joe Root hops up to ride the bounce and steers it to point.
8.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Another tempter! Back of a length and around off, gets it to move away, Joe Root watches it through but offers no shot at it.
8.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Goes fuller but outside off again, angling across the right-hander, Joe Root lets it go to the keeper.
8.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Short of a length and well outside off, angling further away, Joe Root makes an easy leave.
8
over
8 | 6 Runs | HH: 39/2
7.6
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Hits the length hard and on off, angling in, Ollie Pope lets it go to the keeper.
7.5
4
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Scott Boland is still struggling a bit with his lengths here! He bowls a half volley, on off, Ollie Pope leans on to his drive and creams it past mid off and to the long off fence for a boundary.
7.4
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, On a length and on middle, Ollie Pope blocks it out.
7.3
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, A big relief for Joe Root and the whole of England! Scott Boland serves this full, on middle, Ollie Pope drives it firmly down the pitch. Bolland, on his follow-through, sticks out his right hand and gets fingertips on it as the ball deflects onto the stumps at the bowler's end. There is an appeal for a run out at the non-striker's end, and looking at Root, it does not look like he is sure. However, the replay shows that he has grounded his bat just in the nick of time before the ball smashes into the stumps.
Is that a run out at the bowling end? The stump cam shows that the ball flicked off Boland's fingers of the right hand, and then crashed into the stumps at the non-striker's end. However, Root just drags his bat inside the crease before the stumps are hit. But that surely was a nerve-tickling moment for Joe Root. He stays.
7.2
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Good length and around off, Ollie Pope opens the face of his bat and guides it to point.
7.1
2
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Pitched up and on middle and leg, Ollie Pope clips it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
7
over
7 | 3 Runs | HH: 33/2
6.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Oh, almost another! Goes fuller and on off, angles it away again. Joe Root fiddles with it and tries to drive it away, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
6.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, Back of a length and outside off, angling away, Joe Root leaves it alone.
The premier batter of England, Joe Root, arrives at the crease at number 4.
6.4
W
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, OUT! LBW! Mitchell Starc strikes again and strikes big! He steams in from over the wicket, serves this much fuller and on middle, gets it to hold its line. Ben Duckett stays deep inside his crease and tries to work it across the line with an angled bat. However, by the time his bat comes down, the ball has already gone through to strike his front pad. There is a big shout for LBW, and up goes the finger. It looks pretty straightforward, but Duckett still takes the review. Snicko shows nothing on the bat, and Ball Tracking comes up with three reds with the ball crashing on the leg stump. Duckett departs for 21 off 20, and fails to make the most of his start. England lose both openers now and are 33/2.
6.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Good hand! Short of a length and outside off, Ollie Pope cuts it away wide of gully. Cameron Green dives to his right and gets his outstretched right hand on it to make a fine half stop. A single taken.
6.2
2
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, A bit too straight, full and shapes into the pads, Ollie Pope flicks it away through square leg for a brace.
6.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Fuller one and on off, shapes in a bit, Ollie Pope blocks it out solidly.
6
over
6 | 7 Runs | HH: 30/1
5.6
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Oh, close! Scott Boland bangs this into the pitch, on off and much closer to the body of the batter. Ben Duckett tries to cut it from there but misses. Alex Carey, the keeper, grabs it behind the stumps and appeals for it, but nothing doing from the umpire.
5.5
4
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Classy stuff from Ben Duckett! Scott Boland bowls this in the hot zone, much fuller and on off. Ben Duckett takes a couple of steps out to get underneath it and dispatches it the drive to the left of mid off towards the long off fence for his fourth boundary.
5.4
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Lands this on a good length and on off, Ben Duckett opens the face of his bat and guides it towards gully.
5.3
1
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, On a length and on off, Ollie Pope pushes it through covers for a single. Nathan Lyon is after the ball again and slides in, but his left knee gets stuck on the ground. Duckett wants the second but is sent back. Lyon seems fine here.
5.2
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Short of a length and on middle, Ollie Pope gets behidn the line of it and blocks it out.
5.1
2
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Pitched up and outside off, Ollie Pope reaches out for it and punches it away, but loses his bottom hand in the process. It goes wide of point, where Nathan Lyon dives to his right to get a hand on it to slow down its momentum. He gets up and goes after it to collect it. Two taken.
Ben Duckett has looked really cool and composed so far. He has played a couple of delightful strokes and England would hope that he makes his start count.
5
over
5 | 7 Runs | HH: 23/1
4.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Much fuller and on off, Ben Duckett drives it firmly but straight to short cover.
4.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Misses out there! Bangs this hard into the surface, outside off, there to be put away. Ben Duckett tries to cut it away but misses due to the extra bounce. He throws his head back in disappointment.
4.4
4
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Easy pickings! Mitchell Starc loses his line again and lands this on a good length, but down the leg again. Ben Duckett just has to get some bat on it and does exactly that to tickle it to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
4.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Looks for the yorker, but just spills this one down the leg side. Ben Duckett tries to flick it away but misses.
4.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, BEAUTY! Mitchell Starc lands this on a good length and just on off, gets it to shape away. Ben Duckett does not play for the movement and gets squared up as the ball zips past the outside edge.
4.1
3
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Fuller in length and around off, Ollie Pope takes a good stride out and drives it through extra cover. Travis Head from mid off runs after it to collect it. Three taken.
4
over
4 | 10 Runs | HH: 16/1
3.6
4
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Top shot! Scott Boland comes over the wicket, but overpitches this one, on off. Ben Duckett is not going to miss out on those and drills it away to the vacant long off fence for another boundary. Boundaries to open and close out this over. That will settle a few jitters for sure.
3.5
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Ben Duckett gets his bat down nicely and digs it back to the bowler.
3.4
2
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Pitched up and on off, Ben Duckett drives it to the other side this time, to the left of mid off and picks up a couple of runs.
3.3
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Touch fuller and around off, gets it to shape away a bit, Ben Duckett lets it go to the keeper.
3.2
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Good length and on off, Ben Duckett guides it away towards point and shouts a loud 'NO' to his partner.
3.1
4
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Lovely shot! Fuller in length and on middle, angles in a bit. Ben Duckett lets it come to him, leans on a bit and plays a delightful on-drive as the ball races to the long on fence for the first boundary of this Ashes.
3
over
3 | 0 Runs | HH: 6/1
2.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Back-to-back maidens from Mitchell Starc! Good-length delivery just around off, Ollie Pope offers no shot at it. Watchful start from Pope.
2.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Pulls his length back now, on off, angling it away. Ollie Pope does not get tempted and leaves it alone.
2.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Errs in line a bit and serves this full, but down the leg side, Ollie Pope fails to glance it away.
2.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Back of a length and around middle, Ollie Pope steps across to work it away but only manages to pat it down the pitch.
A slight halt in play as Starc is annoyed by something with his boots. Maybe something with the spikes. Looks like a new pair of shoes is being brought in for him. He wears them and is back on his feet. We resume.
2.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Edged but does not carry! Mitchell Starc bangs this into the pitch and around off, angling away. Ollie Pope sees this as an opportunity to score some runs and slashes at it hard. He gets a bit late on the shot and it goes off the toe-end of the bat and drops in front of Steve Smith at second slip.
2.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Short of a length and well outside off, Ollie Pope does not bother playing at that one.
2
over
2 | 6 Runs | HH: 6/1
1.6
2
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Pitched up and on middle and leg, Ben Duckett clips it away through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
1.5
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Good length and around the sixth stump line, Ben Duckett lets it go to the keeper. We don't see that often.
1.4
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Back of a length and on off, Ben Duckett stays back and stabs it out onto the pitch as the ball goes nowhere.
1.3
3
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Edgy! Much fuller and around off, it holds its line. Ollie Pope looks to drive it away but gets an outside edge. It goes along the ground and wide of gully for three runs.
1.2
1
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, England are finally underway! On a length and on middle and off, Ben Duckett looks to work it away but gets squared up. It goes off the leading edge towards covers for a single.
1.1
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Absolute beauty! Scott Boland comes around the wicket, begins with a full delivery, on off. Ben Duckett thinks it is angling in and plays with a straight bat, but this one shapes away to beat the outside edge by a few inches.
Phew! How was that for an opening over to open the Ashes, eh? Oh, the love affair between Starc and him striking wickets in the first over is just unstoppable. And here comes the stat from Adam Gilchrist on air. This is the seventh time that Starc has struck in the first over in his Test career, exclusively in the first innings. It also includes 3 first ball wickets. Ollie Pope makes his way to the middle at number 3. Scott Boland to share the attack from the far end. Three slips in place and a gully awaits.
1
over
1 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/1
0.6
W
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! It is not the first ball, but the last ball of the first over from Mitchell Starc. He is absolutely fired up, and so is every Aussie present in Perth. This is on a hard length and in that channel outside off, angles away too. Not there to be driven away, but Zak Crawley, without any footwork, looks to drive it on the up as he is forced to play with the angle created by Starc. Once again, there is some extra bounce, and the ball nips away a shy bit. And that is enough to take the outside edge. It flies to first slip, where Usman Khawaja gets into a bit of a juggling act, but grabs it on the second attempt. Crawley walks back for a duck, and England are 0/1.
0.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, Overpitched and on off, Zak Crawley gets half forward and drives it firmly but straight to short cover.
0.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, Back of a length and on off again, holds its line, Zak Crawley offers no shot at it.
0.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, BEATEN! Much fuller from Mitchell Starc, on off, angling it away again. Zak Crawley goes for the big booming drive but gets beaten due to the extra bounce as the ball zips past the outside edge. Good carry for Alex Carey as he takes it near his chest.
0.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, Lands this on a good length and on the fifth stump line, gets it across the right-hander, Zak Crawley watches it through and leaves it alone.
0.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, No repeat of 2021 for Mitchell Starc this time around! He steams in from over the wicket, serves this full and on off, shaping it in, Zak Crawley gets behind the line nicley and steers it towards point.
Okay then, the national anthems are done and it is time to get the Ashes underway in this Western Australian capital. Needless to say, it is a sell-out at Perth and the sun is shining in its glory. The umps make their way out to the center and Steve Smith leads his troops as they scatter out of the team huddle and take their respective spots on the field. Now then, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley walk to the crease to open for England. It's been a pretty successful opening partnership for England. It is show time as Mitchell Starc opens the attack for Australia. Save the toes, Zak. Here we go...
The captain of Australia, Steve Smith, says that they would have batted first as well. Reckons that the cracks will come into play later in the game and stresses that if they get the ball in the right areas, they will get some movement. Mentions that they have a couple of big losses, citing the injuries to Cummins and Hazlewood, but says those have opened up opportunities for others as well. He backs Scott Boland by saying that he has been fantastic, and also shares that Brendan Doggett has been excellent in the Shield Cricket in the last few years and deserves a chance. Wraps by saying that he is looking forward to seeing them going out and perform for the country.
The captain of England, Ben Stokes, says that they will bat first. Adds that they have tried to get as much information as possible about the venue, and history suggests batting first is the way to go here. Mentions that it has been a long build-up to this Ashes, and a lot of hard work and determination have gone into it, and they have a clear plan. Says that he is sure the fans are really excited and they can't wait to get going. Informs that Bashir misses out, and they have gone with four seamers, with him being the fifth one. Ends by saying that Wood has a bit of time out due to injury, but has worked really hard and is raring to go, and so are the other blokes as well.
Australia (Playing XI) - Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (C), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (WK), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, and Scott Boland.
England (Playing XI) - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood.
TOSS - The flip of the coin lands in favor of England, and Ben Stokes elects to BAT first.
The historical challenge is monumental for the tourists. The last English victory in Perth came in 1978 under Mike Brearley, which was followed by eight straight defeats. The task now is clear for the Poms. The Stokes-McCullum axis must shatter this dominant Australian streak. Failure means the hosts will simply maintain their iron grip on this Western Australian fortress. All these searing narrative threads converge as we deep dive into this absorbing opening Ashes Test. Let the games commence. The Toss update will flash next very shortly.
It will also be a fascinating duel between two designated Fab 4 stalwarts - Steven Smith and Joe Root. Smith, the current Aussie squad's supreme run accumulator, enters with a dominant Ashes record of over 3400 runs with a 50+ average. Root counters with a healthy average of 40.46 with 2400 plus runs against the Aussies. Their respective performances will be the pivotal determinant of the series’ fate for both teams. Pace bowling, of course, will be a crucial component on the bouncy track of Perth. And there is some serious pace in both camps, as we mentioned just before. So, let's see who comes up trumps.
The Bazball weapon system is deployed on Australian terrain for the first time. Coach Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes seized command directly after the humiliating 4-0 defeat here. Years have been spent meticulously forging a shock-and-awe pace unit built for these unforgiving Australian decks. Crucially, the speed merchants Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are fit and ready on the starting line. They are backed by a rapid cohort of Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse. Whereas batting-wise, Joe Root and Harry Brook will be their pillars, but it’s how the Crawley-Duckett opening alliance negotiate against the furnace of pace. But from the announced XII, it remains to be seen whether they opt for Bashir's spin, or go with an extra pacer.
The mandated absence of Pat Cummins and the metronomic Josh Hazlewood has truly bled the Aussie pace stocks. This leaves Mitchell Starc as the sole survivor of the Big 3 speed cartel. He will be accompanied by Scott Boland, who has already demonstrated reliability, along with Brendan Doggett, who is all set to make his Test debut. Talking of the firsts, Jake Weatherald finally receives his call-up, a move prompted by Australia's ongoing instability in the top order. His likely pairing with Usman Khawaja marks the seventh opening combination since David Warner's Test departure in 2024. Amid these upheavels, Steve Smith takes the armband. Crucially, under his command, Australia maintains an unblemished winning record in The Ashes played on home soil, which provides a psychological counterweight to the team's current personnel gaps.
Perth. A furnace of cricket that has birthed countless legendary moments in the chronicle of our beloved sport. Picture the fierce Jeff Thomson crushing the equilibrium of David Lloyd during his dominant 1974 period. Recall Dennis Lillee's notorious aluminum bat episode. Envision Ryan Harris unleashing that unplayable delivery to dismantle the defenses of the great Sir Alastair Cook back in 2013. From Graham Thorpe's patient century under pressure to Ben Stokes' maiden Test hundred, Perth has housed every drama. And who can ever forget the WACA surface splitting open thanks to the relentless heat? The sensation of those bygone days truly hits hard. And here we stand at the OPTUS stadium, ready for it all. FYI, all Tests played here, five to be exact, have won by the teams batting first.
Forget the rest, as cricket’s biggest rivalry is back, and everything else feels small in its shadow. The Ashes, the holy grail of cricket is rekindled, and this time the battle lines are drawn Down Under. The hosts clutch the urn and are absolutely determined to hold the line on their own patch. England, however, arrive with a hunger of securing a series win that has proved elusive for over ten years. Rivalry, history, and immense pressure will all combine in the coming weeks promising cricket of the highest caliber. On that note, we welcome you all joining our coverage, here from the Western Australian capital.
... MATCH DAY ...
Welcome back for England's response with the bat. The umpires and players again make their way out to the center. Steve Smith marshals his troops out as the Aussies scatter throughout the field and take their spots. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will open for England. And undoubtedly, Mitchell Starc will open the attack for the hosts. Trial by pace continues in Perth. Three slips await as Zak gears up to face the first ball under gloomy skies. Here we go...
... THIRD INNINGS ...
The English pace attack dented through the Aussie batting lineup with conviction. They found more movement with the ball as compared to Australia. Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse were the pace setters for them. But it was Ben Stokes who found the ideal length on this Perth wicket and responded with a fabulous 5-wicket haul, massively stepping up as the captain. Whereas Carse picked up a crucial 3-fer and ended the resistance of the final Aussie batting pair coming into the second day. Well then, England will start with 40 runs with them, but they need a solid start against the opening burst of Mitchell Starc. Remember, in the five Tests played at the Optus Stadium so far, teams batting first have won all of them. So, we are in for a thriller ahead. Stay tuned as we will be back with England's reply.
The pitch has its own demons, sure, but the batting has been fragile. And the Aussies appeared more vulnerable to deal with the pace and bounce. Their top order fragility has been talked about for a long time now, and again, they failed to provide a strong foundation. The pair of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne worked really hard to bide their time at the crease, but runs were at a premium, and their resistance was broken sooner. It was the alliance of Travis Head and Cameron Green that provided a bit of stability, with Alex Carey chipping in with a vital contribution as well. But as has been the case, none of those starts were extended into something substantial and England kept chipping away at the wickets regularly.
It took around half an hour or so for England to get rid of the last Aussie pair. But overall, it's been a tremendous response from the English bowling attack, who lethally hunted in a pack. They showed great character after a dismal batting performance. They have managed to get a lead of 40 runs at their helm, which could prove massive given how batting from both sides has struggled.
45.2
W
Brydon Carse to Nathan Lyon, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Brydon Carse wraps things up with a three-fer. He goes a bit fuller this time and around off, holds its line. It is not there to be driven, but Nathan Lyon attempts to go for the shot anyway. The ball flies off the outside edge of the bat straight to gully, where Ben Duckett makes no mistake. Australia have been bowled out for 132, giving a 40-run lead to England.
45.1
0
Brydon Carse to Nathan Lyon, Play and a miss! Brydon Carse also starts on the shorter side, outside off, Nathan Lyon tries to upper cut it but fails to connect.
A little burst for Mark Wood, who certainly struggled to find his rhythm. Here's Brydon Carse (10-1-45-2) into the attack.
45
over
45 | 0 Runs | HH: 132/9
44.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Short of a length and just outside off, Brendan Doggett withdraws his bat and leaves it alone.
44.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, On a length and on middle, Brendan Doggett chips it in the air but well wide of short leg.
44.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Hits the length hard, on middle, jags back in, Brendan Doggett tries to heave it across the line but gets an inside edge onto his inner thigh. That'll hurt a bit.
44.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Another bouncer but down the leg side, Brendan Doggett ducks underneath it.
44.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Well played! Gus Atkinson bowls a good bouncer, on middle, Brendan Doggett sways away from the line of the delivery.
44.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Good-length delivery, on off, Brendan Doggett stays back and guides it towards point.
England have been a bit on the shorter side in these opening exchanges. While bowling some rib-ticklers to the tailenders is always a good deal, it's crucial to pitch it up and get them to draw their feet forward and force them into the shot as well. A trick missed from Wood and Atkinson? Fairly early to say though. Credit to Doggett and Lyon for resisting the short stuff from the visitors so far.
44
over
44 | 1 Runs | HH: 132/9
43.6
0
Mark Wood to Nathan Lyon, Ouch! Back of a length and on off, jags back in a bit, Nathan Lyon steps across to flick it away, but misses and gets hit high on his body.
43.5
0
Mark Wood to Nathan Lyon, Short of a length but well outside off. Mark Wood takes a tumble on his followthrough as well. Nathan Lyon makes an easy leave.
43.4
1
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Overpitched and around off, Brendan Doggett drills it with not much timing towards covers for a single.
43.3
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Lands this on a hard length but down the leg side, Brendan Doggett tries to hook it away but misses.
43.2
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Good length and on middle, angling in, Brendan Doggett fails to tuck it away. It goes off this thigh pad towards short leg. Doggett takes a step forward but never leaves his crease, and Ollie Pope anyway misses his shy at the stumps.
43.1
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Mark Wood bangs in a bouncer at around 144 clicks, on off, shapes away a touch. Brendan Doggett withdraws his bat in time to let it go.
43
over
43 | 3 Runs | HH: 131/9
42.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Nathan Lyon, Another bouncer to end the over, on middle, Nathan Lyon ducks under it.
42.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Nathan Lyon, Back of a length and on middle, Nathan Lyon gets on top of the bounce and pats it down from in front of his face onto the pitch.
42.4
1
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Good length and on off, Brendan Doggett opens the face of his bat and guides it through covers for a single. The Aussies trail by 41 runs now.
42.3
2
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Much fuller and on off, Brendan Doggett drags it off the inside half of the bat to the left of mid on for a couple of runs.
42.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Swing and a miss! Short of a length and on middle, gets some extra bounce. Brendan Doggett takes it on and tries to pull it away but fails to connect.
42.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, A sharp bouncer, on middle, Brendan Doggett watches it well and ducks under it. Gets his head out of the way nicely from the line of the ball.
42
over
42 | 2 Runs | HH: 128/9
41.6
1
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Edgy! Overpitched and on off, shaping in a bit, Brendan Doggett tries to drill it away but gets an inside edge just past the stumps towards fine leg for a run. Australia trail by 44 runs now.
41.5
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Short of a length and on off, takes off a bit, Brendan Doggett gets squared up but manages to get bat on ball. It loops up off the shoulder of the bat but falls safely into the vacant short cover region.
41.4
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Play and a miss! Goes fuller again and around off, holds its line. Brendan Doggett goes for the big booming drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.
41.3
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Pitched up and angling into the leg side, Brendan Doggett fails to glance it away as the ball goes off his pads towards leg slip.
41.2
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, DROPPED! Mark Wood bangs this one into the pitch hard, on middle and leg. Brendan Doggett keeps his weight on the back foot and tries to pull it away, but mistimes it. It loops towards short leg, where Ollie Pope is a bit late to get down and spills it out as the ball dips in front of him. That was a real reflex catch, tough one.
41.1
1
Mark Wood to Nathan Lyon, On a length and on off, Nathan Lyon lunges out and pushes it towards covers for a single.
41
over
41 | 2 Runs | HH: 126/9
40.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Lands this on a good length and on middle, Brendan Doggett gets behind the line of it and blocks it out solidly.
40.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Hard-length delivery, on middle, angling in a bit, Brendan Doggett hops up and pats it down to the leg side.
40.4
2
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Short of a length and around off, Brendan Doggett rides the bounce well and steers it uppishly but wide of point for a couple of runs. First Test runs for Doggett.
40.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Another bouncer now, on middle, Brendan Doggett ducks under it again.
40.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Back of a length and around off, Brendan Doggett stays back and punches it away nicely, but straight to point.
40.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Brendan Doggett, Gus Atkinson begins with a good bumper, on middle, Brendan Doggett ducks underneath it.
The Barmy Army is already up and running in the stands, fueling the atmosphere with their passionate and enthusiastic 'Jerusalem' chorus. It can be a bit tingling for the opposition, early in the morning. Here's Gus Atkinson (9-4-19-0) all in readiness to operate from the other end.
40
over
40 | 1 Runs | HH: 124/9
39.6
0
Mark Wood to Nathan Lyon, Almost goes through! Mark Wood nails a searing yorker at 143.1 kph, on middoe, Nathan Lyon just about gets his bat down in time to dig it out.
39.5
1
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, First runs of Day 2 in the form of extras! Good length but down the leg side, Brendan Doggett fails to glance it away and the ball goes off his thigh pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken.
39.4
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Hits the length hard, on middle, jags back in a bit, Brendan Doggett tries to clip it across the line but misses and gets hit on the pads as the ball rolls towards point.
39.3
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Bangs in a quick bouncer at 142 clicks, on middle, angling into leg, Brendan Doggett ducks under it.
39.2
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Safely negotiated! Short of a length and on middle, angling into the body of the batter, Brendan Doggett backs away a bit and manages to keep it out to the off side.
39.1
0
Mark Wood to Brendan Doggett, Mark Wood starts with a back-of-a-length delivery, outside off, Brendan Doggett watches it through and lets it go to the keeper.
In all readiness for the second day to get underway, here at the furnace. It is a bit gloomy overhead, and is a bit of a cold morning as compared to the first day. The English players spread out to the field and take their respective spots on the field. Australia's last wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Brendan Doggett walk out to shrink the deficit as much as they can. The hosts still trail by 49 runs. It is all about how much they can extend this innings. Mark Wood (5-0-18-0) has the ball in his hand and is prepped up to get us underway on Day 2. And well, a dramatic start. Wood was charging to bowl the first ball, but Doggett wasn't ready. He reloads. And... here we go...
A bit on why Usman Khawaja was off the field in the backend of the English innings. We are hearing that he had back spasms. And hence, Marnus Labuschagne was promoted to open with the debutant Jake Weatherald. Meaning, Khawaja hadn't spent the same amount of time back on the field, and that's the reason he couldn't open the batting. Just that he got on the wrong side of the timings. The Australian camp is already dealing with a lot of injuries right now, and the last thing they would want is their designated opener to get injured with a long summer ahead.
Fast and furious is what perfectly describes the opening day. In all fairness, we are not seeing this going into the fourth day. But it all depends on how the pitch will play. It was a vicious Perth wicket yesterday, typical by its nature and historical evidence. But will it settle down? Well, there were a few showers around overnight. Will that have any effect? If so, batting is only going to get a bit more challenging. It all depends on how Australia bowls in the second innings, and restricts the Poms to a modest total. Also, England's scoring rate was a lot higher than the hosts, and you wonder what impact that is going to have on this game.
Australia fared no better, forced into a reshuffled top order and quickly slipping to 31/4 before Travis Head and Cameron Green offered brief resistance. But it was Ben Stokes who stole the evening session, delivering an inspired spell and claiming a five-wicket haul, including the vital wicket of Alex Carey, to leave the hosts in deep trouble. All set, then, for another fascinating day of Ashes cricket.
Day 1 saw a record 19 wickets fall, driven not by a tricky pitch but by outstanding bowling and some questionable batting decisions. England were rocked early, recovered through Harry Brook’s counter-attacking fifty, and then folded to Mitchell Starc’s superb 7/58. Their 172 came in just 32.5 overs, setting the tone for an action-packed day.
Hello and welcome to our coverage of Day 2 of the 1st Ashes Test from Perth, where the match is already on a knife’s edge. Australia will resume at 123/9, still 49 runs behind England, after an opening day that moved at breakneck speed and shifted dramatically session after session.
... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...
Right then, that’s a wrap on a gripping Day 1 of this opening Ashes Test. Both teams had their moments, but England have a strong grip on this game now. The visitors will aim to roll through the hosts as soon as possible on Day 2, while Australia will focus on getting as close as they can to England’s total. Day 2 gets underway on 22nd November, Saturday at 2.20 am GMT, and you can join us a bit earlier for all the build-up. Cheers!
English pacer, Brydon Carse, is down for a quick chat. He says this is his first taste of Ashes cricket and feels that the crowd was incredible today. On Ben Stokes, he says that he is a real leader and gets the best out of everyone. On his own bowling, he says that he tried to give it his all and hit the deck hard and ends by saying that it is always a great feeling to get the best batters out in the world.
With Usman Khawaja unable to open after spending too little time on the field, Australia were forced into a reshuffle, sending Marnus Labuschagne to open with Steve Smith at three. Both showed plenty of grit, wearing body blows and trying to age the ball, but their resistance only went so far as Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse removed them in succession. Carse then struck again to dismiss Khawaja, leaving the hosts wobbling at 31/4. Travis Head and Cameron Green steadied the ship with a promising 45-run stand, injecting some much-needed calm, but just when Australia seemed to be clawing their way back, Ben Stokes bowled an inspiring spell, picking up a fifer in the last session and breaking a couple of crucial partnerships, including the big wickets of Head, Green, and Alex Carey, to put England firmly on top.
England were desperate for a partnership, but their hopes took an early hit when Ben Stokes fell soon after the restart. Brook, though, stayed true to his intent, counter-punching confidently and raising a brisk half-century to drag his side back into the contest. Just when he looked set for something bigger, a split-second hesitation proved costly, handing debutant Brendan Doggett a memorable maiden wicket. Jamie Smith chipped in with a few hefty blows, but with wickets tumbling around him, England crumbled from 160/5 to 172 all out, undone largely by Mitchell Starc’s sensational 7/58 - his best figures in Test cricket. The only silver lining was their scoring rate, rattling along at over five an over in just 32.5 overs. With the ball in hand, Jofra Archer struck immediately to remove debutant Jake Weatherald, while Mark Wood peppered the batters with sharp pace and steep bounce, but Australia weathered the storm and reached Tea without further damage.
Winning the toss and batting first felt like the straightforward call in Perth, but it quickly unravelled for England as they crashed to 39/3, with both Zak Crawley and Joe Root falling for ducks - Root’s first ever in Australia. Ollie Pope and Harry Brook tried to swing the momentum back their way with a lively 55-run stand, counter-attacking whenever they got the chance, but just as England seemed to settle, Pope fell to Cameron Green moments before Lunch. They headed into the break at 105/4, with the game already crackling with early drama.
SESSION SUMMARY - 108 runs and 8 wickets in 29 overs! Phew! When it’s the Ashes, you know sparks are going to fly - and they certainly did. Maybe not so much with the bat, but definitely with the ball, as a staggering 19 wickets tumbled on Day 1 - a new record at Perth. You’d assume the pitch was misbehaving, but that wasn’t the case. It was a mix of outstanding bowling from both sides and some poor shot selection that triggered the chaos. If Mitchell Starc’s brilliant 7-fer set the standard, Ben Stokes raised it even higher with a superb five-wicket haul, leaving Australia in deep trouble at 123/9, trailing by 49 runs.
39
over
39 | 2 Runs | HH: 123/9
38.6
2
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, Archer goes for the yorker on the final ball but just misses his mark. This is a half volley on the pads and Nathan Lyon clips it away nicely through the mid-wicket region for a couple of runs and ensures that England do come out to bowl first on Day 2. That will be STUMPS ON DAY 1!
38.5
0
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, A bit fuller and just slipping down the leg side, Nathan Lyon fails to flick it away.
38.4
0
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, Back of a length and around off, Lyon gets right behind the line this time and blocks it off.
38.3
0
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, Another skiddy bumper, at 141.5 kph and right at the batter. Lyon takes his eyes off the ball and just looks to pull it fine but the ball flies past the blade and the helmet.
38.2
0
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, A quick bumper now, over middle and this one flies through. Lyon is able to duck under it.
38.1
0
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, Short of a length and angled in right at the bater, Nathan Lyon awkwardly fends it off.
Brendan Doggett is the last man in.
38
over
38 | 1 Runs | HH: 121/9
37.6
W
Ben Stokes to Scott Boland, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! What a ripper of a spell from the English captain, and he picks up his 6th five-wicket haul in Test cricket. His third five-for against Australia and the second on Aussie soil. He took one back in the 2013/14 Ashes, in Sydney. Ben Stokes pitches the ball on a good length and darts it back in towards middle and leg. Scott Boland opts to play it off the back foot but gets caught on the crease and gets squared up, nicking it behind. Harry Brook at second slip, dives forward and pouches it brilliantly with both hands. The umpires do go upstairs to check for a fair catch, and the replays show that Brook's fingers were firmly under the ball.
Is that a fifer for Ben Stokes? Harry Brook looks pretty sure that it has carried to him at second slip, but the on-field umpires still want to make sure and send it upstairs. The replay clearly shows that it is a clean catch, and the English skipper has five to his name.
37.5
0
Ben Stokes to Scott Boland, Nicely bowled! Nagging length, just around off, nibbling away off the deck. Scott Boland looks to defend but is beaten past the outside edge.
Scott Boland comes out to the middle now.
37.4
W
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, OUT! CAUGHT! Would you believe it? It's Ben Stokes again and that is a complete lapse in concentration from Alex Carey. This is banged in short over off stump and angled back in. Carey backs away and just tries to ramp it but as soon as he hits it, he realizes that there is a fielder at deep third and the ball travels straight down his throat. Brydon Carse makes no mistake and Stokes gets his fourth wicket. A disappointed Alex Carey walks back for a run-a-ball 26 and Australia are now 121/8, still trailing by 51 runs.
37.3
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Around the wicket to the left-hander, serves it full and just around off, Carey drives it straight to mid on.
37.2
1
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, Good length again, sliding it down the leg side, Nathan Lyon gets it off the pads and down to fine leg for a leg bye.
37.1
0
Ben Stokes to Nathan Lyon, Served on a good length and angled in from well outside off, Nathan Lyon gets on the front foot and solidly blocks it off.
37
over
37 | 2 Runs | HH: 120/7
36.6
1
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, Digs in short and outside off, Nathan Lyon gets on his toes and steers it to the right of point for a single. Retains the strike for the next over, does Lyon. Australia trail by 52 runs.
36.5
0
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, That in-between length, on the fourth stump. Nathan Lyon presses forward and blocks it to mid off.
36.4
0
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, Slams the deck hard, at 139.1 kph, around off. Nathan Lyon rides the bounce and taps it in front of cover.
36.3
0
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, Short of a length, outside off, Lyon rises with the bounce and dabs it with soft hands to cover-point.
36.2
0
Jofra Archer to Nathan Lyon, Short and on top of middle, Nathan Lyon gets behind the line and bunts it down the pitch.
36.1
1
Jofra Archer to Alex Carey, Back of a length, outside off, Carey steers it off the back foot to the backward point region and bustles for a single.
Nathan Lyon walks out to the middle now. Also, Jofra Archer (7-4-7-2) is back on.
36
over
36 | 6 Runs | HH: 118/7
35.6
W
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, OUT! TAKEN! This is turning out to be an inspiring bowling spell from Stokes. Full from the England captain, around the off pole, Mitchell Starc clears his front leg and lines up to heave it across the line, but plays off the inner half of the bat and the ball goes flat at chest height of Brydon Carse stationed at mid on. A simple catch and he makes no mistake. Stokes gets his third wicket. Mitchell Starc departs on a run-a-ball 12 and Australia are 118/7, still trailing by 54 runs. This dismissal makes 17 wickets taken today, which is the joint-most wickets taken on the first day of an Ashes Test since 1909.
35.5
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Fuller than a length, on middle, Starc chips it in the air off the toe end, but it lands well short of the converging Stokes on his follow-through.
35.4
2
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Short from Stokes, on top of off. Mitchell Starc stands tall, brings his long levers and pulls it to the left of mid on for a couple of more runs. It seems like the ball has lost its sting a bit and is coming nicely onto the bat now.
35.3
1
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, On the leg stump line, on a slightly dragged back length, Carey nudges it to the left of square leg for a single.
35.2
2
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Fuller one, on the legs, Alex Carey flicks it to the right of the diving Ollie Pope at square leg and collects two more runs.
35.1
1
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Overpitched on middle, Starc flicks it to the left of mid-wicket for a single. The partnership for the 7th wicket is worth 30 runs.
35
over
35 | 8 Runs | HH: 112/6
34.6
4
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, FOUR! Now that is a stroke from a confident batter! A bit too full by Carse, around off. Alex Carey transfers the weight on the front foot and drives it to the left of mid off for a cracking boundary. That sounded so good off the bat and was a four the moment Carey connected it. Australia trail by 60 runs now.
34.5
1
Brydon Carse to Mitchell Starc, Another short one, but the line is tight now. Starc stays leg side of the ball and while weighing on the back foot, he steers it through cover-point for a single.
34.4
1
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, Short and outside off, Carey arches back and cuts it to point for a single.
34.3
1
Brydon Carse to Mitchell Starc, Fuller one, angling in and around off. Mitchell Starc pushes at it on the front foot. Goes with hard hands and ekes out a thick outside edge. The ball flies to the right of the diving Ben Duckett at gully and rolls to deep third for a single.
34.2
1
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, Hard length, on off, punched off the back foot by Carey, through extra cover for a single.
34.1
0
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, A half-hearted appeal for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved. Brydon delivers it full and angles it into the batter. Alex Carey's head falls over while attempting to flick it through mid-wicket and is rapped on the front pad. Quite possibly going down leg, this one.
We are now into the extended half an hour of play. As only about 66 overs have been bowled, the umpires want to get in as many overs as they can before officially calling for Stumps.
34
over
34 | 4 Runs | HH: 104/6
33.6
1
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Fires in a full delivery, on the leg stump. Alex Carey misses to flick it away and the ball deflects off the front pad. It rolls fine to the deep fine leg region and is cut off by Archer, who moves to his left from a squarer deep fine leg. A leg bye taken.
33.5
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, On the leg stump line, on a good length, Alex Carey nudges it to the square leg fielder.
33.4
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, That just flew off the deck. Was a sharp short delivery from the English captain, on off. Alex Carey lined up for a pull shot, but it is high enough to beat the bat.
33.3
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Nagging length, around off, Alex Carey gets behind it and bunts it down the strip with soft hands.
33.2
3
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Fuller delivery, just outside off, Starc prods forward and drives it to the sweeper cover. Gus Atkinson chases it down from the inner circle and the batters cross each other thrice. The partnership between these two is now worth 20 runs off just 13 balls.
33.1
0
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Nice and full, around off, Starc stretches forward and blocks it to extra cover.
33
over
33 | 9 Runs | HH: 100/6
32.6
4
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, FOUR! Much-needed boundary for the Aussies. A short ball from Carse, outside off. Carey gets the ball at a good height and there is ample width to work with as well. He weighs back and cuts it through the extra cover gap for a boundary. 100 UP FOR AUSTRALIA! They trail by 72 runs.
32.5
1
Brydon Carse to Mitchell Starc, Short of a length, angled onto the pads. Starc steers it behind square on the leg side for a single.
32.4
2
Brydon Carse to Mitchell Starc, JUST OVER! Bashes the length hard, around off. Mitchell Starc just checks his drive on the front foot, but fails to keep it along the ground. Chips it over the leaping Jofra Archer at mid off and they cross for a couple of runs.
32.4
1
Brydon Carse to Mitchell Starc, Short again, but around off. Starc is happy to let that one go. A late No Ball call from the umpire as Carse has overstepped.
32.3
1
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, Tries the short stuff, does Carse. Carey transfers the weight on the back foot and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
32.2
0
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, Touch full and angling in on middle. Alex Carey blocks in front.
32.1
0
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, That one has breezed away to the keeper! Short from Brydon, in and around off. Alex Carey leans back and attempts the ramp shot, but misses to lay bat on the ball.
32
over
32 | 8 Runs | HH: 91/6
31.6
1
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, A yard fuller than being called a short ball, on the leg stump. Alex Carey hangs back and taps it with soft hands towards mid-wicket for a quick single.
31.5
0
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, At 133.6 kph, on a length, on middle and leg. Alex Carey plays from the crease and knocks it straight back at the bowler.
31.4
2
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Short of a good length, on the stumps. Alex Carey weighs on the back foot and pulls it a bit uppishly, but in the mid-wicket and square leg gap for a couple of runs.
31.3
4
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, FOUR! Fine enough! Stokes slants it across the batter, short and on the leg stump line. Starc gets inside the line of the ball and tries to nudge it to the leg side. But the ball seems to have gone off the gloves to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.
31.2
1
Ben Stokes to Mitchell Starc, Starc gets off the mark. On a back of a length, around off, Starc stands tall and punches between mid off and cover for a single.
Mitchell Starc comes out to the middle now.
31.1
W
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Problems for Australia as Stokes executes a hammer blow on the hosts. Stokes uses the wider angle and bowls it in that fourth-fifth stump corridor, tempting the batter to play at it. Green falls prey as he draws the front foot forward, and goes with hard hands to drive through the off side. But the ball lands and straightens just enough to brush the outside edge. Jamie Smith takes a simple catch. Cameron Green departs for 24 (50) and Australia are 83/6, trailing by 89 runs.
31
over
31 | 4 Runs | HH: 83/5
30.6
2
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, Back of a length and outside off, Alex Carey stays on the back foot and taps it away wide of point for a couple of handy runs.
30.5
0
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, Shorter in length and at the batter, nudged down behind square leg by Carey.
30.4
0
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, Well, that's one way to stop the ball. Fuller ball on off stump, Alex Carey crunches the drive straight back but Brydon Carse falls on the follow-through and the ball smacks him in the back of his body. Thankfully, that didn't hit him on the head, but he does save at least 3 runs.
30.3
1
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Hard-length delivery, straighter in line, Green stays upright and just pats it down towards mid on for a quick single. Good running.
30.2
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Bowled a bit shorter and into the body of the batter, Green gets inside the line and nudges it down to mid-wicket.
30.1
1
Brydon Carse to Alex Carey, Back of a length and outside off, Carey hans back and taps it in between covers and point for an easy single.
30
over
30 | 3 Runs | HH: 79/5
29.6
0
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, Back of a length and outside off, angled in, Green jams it down into the off side.
29.5
0
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, Nagging length, angled in from wider on the crease. This one lands around the fifth stump line and Green makes a watchful leave.
29.4
0
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, Full and straight, looks to slip one through the gate, but Green covers the line well and shows the full face of the bat to defend.
29.3
2
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, Just back of a length and around off, Cameron Green presses back and then leans forward to smack it through cover-point for a couple of runs. The timing wasn't quite there on that shot.
29.2
1
Ben Stokes to Alex Carey, Short of a length, angled into the ribs, Carey manages to tuck it away through backward square leg for a single and he's off the mark right away.
Alex Carey is the next man in.
29.1
W
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, OUT! CAUGHT! The golden touch from Ben Stokes has worked yet again for England and Travis Head will be kicking himself for throwing his wicket away. Stokes jogs in from around the stumps and bowls it fractionally short around off. Head lifts one leg up and casually pulls it aerially and well in between mid on and mid-wicket. However, Brydon Carse is placed exactly over there as a straightish short mid-wicket and he takes a sharp catch around his face. Stokes gets the breakthrough for his side, ending a blossoming 45-run partnership. Travis Head departs on 21 (35), and Australia are now 76/5, still trailing by 96 runs.
29
over
29 | 4 Runs | HH: 76/4
28.6
2
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Full and wide outside off, Cameron Green reaches out and goes hard at it, but skews it off the outer half of the blade and behind point for a couple of runs.
28.5
1
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Hard length again and over middle, clipped away just to the left of mid-wicket for another quick single.
28.4
1
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Good, positive running. Hard length around off, Green defends it in front of covers and sets off for the single. Travis Head is a bit late to respond and has to hurry as the substitute fielder, Jacob Bethell, misses the shy at the keeper's end.
28.3
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Back of a length and around off, Green leans on a bit and then adjusts to block it down into the off side.
28.2
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Full again, this time outside off, Green leans across and miscues it towards cover.
28.1
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Starts the new spell with a full ball, slanting it into off and middle, Green drives it out and straight to mid on.
28
over
28 | 3 Runs | HH: 72/4
27.6
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Pitches the ball fuller and on off stump, Head is drawn a bit forward and he plays an uppish drive straight to covers.
27.5
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Good length, on a tight line around off, Head hangs back and cuts too close to the body, hitting it straight to short cover.
27.4
3
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, Nicely played by Green. Too full and around off, Cameron Green hangs back but does lean on and drives it on the full through mid off. The ball slows down in front of the ropes and the fielder from extra cover, Brydon Carse, is able to chase it down. Three taken. The partnership moves on to 41 runs, and Australia trail exactly by 100 runs.
27.3
0
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, Full and angled in from wider on the crease, Green blocks it right under the eyes.
27.2
0
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, A bit fuller and straighter as well, attacking the off stump. Green solidly blocks it off.
27.1
0
Ben Stokes to Cameron Green, Play and a miss on the first ball. Starts with a good-length delivery and bowls it outside off, gets it to just nibble away off the deck. Cameron Green looks to drive, but the ball isn't full enough and gets beaten on the outside edge.
Ben Stokes brings himself into the attack now.
27
over
27 | 0 Runs | HH: 69/4
26.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Back of a length and over middle, angling into the batter, Head hops up to defend. End of a maiden from Gus Atkinson.
26.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Loose, too loose! On a good length, angled in from outside off. It is the scramble seam used by Atkinson and he gets it to seam away with some extra bounce. Head just throws his hands at it and is well beaten.
26.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Hard length around off, angling back in, Head presses back and punches it towards cover.
26.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Pitches the ball further up on off stump, Head leans halfway forward and blocks it off the outside edge down to backward point.
26.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Drags the length back and angles it in towards the batter, Head stands tall and nudges it just to the leg side.
26.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Very full and in and around the off stump, Head hangs back and gets into an awkward position but manages to keep it out.
26
over
26 | 8 Runs | HH: 69/4
25.6
4
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, FOUR! There to be hit and put away beautifully by Cameron Green. A juicy half volley just outside off, not all that quick either. Green leans on and elegantly drives it through mid off for a crunching boundary. 21 runs in the last 4 overs for the Aussies.
25.5
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Goes wider on the crease and bowls it on a good length, angling into the batter, Green stabs it across into the leg side.
25.4
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Goes back to bowling the short stuff and directs it well over off and middle. Green watchfully ducks under it.
25.3
2
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Goes full and straight, quicker too, Green shows the full face of the blade and drives it through mid on for another brace. This partnership is starting to bloom for the Aussies.
25.2
2
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Hard length and outside off and at 140 clicks, Cameron Green hangs back, gets on top of the bounce and eases it through the gap at covers for a couple of runs. That was a gentle-paced delivery by Wood's standards.
25.1
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Short of a good length and in the channel, Green presses back and dabs it down towards point.
25
over
25 | 8 Runs | HH: 61/4
24.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Back of a length and outside off, tapped down to point.
24.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Oh, nearly a masterstroke with the field placement. Shortish length again, closer to the off stump line, Travis Head goes after it and gets a thick outside edge that nearly travels all the way to Ollie Pope standing in between the short third and deep third region. Head also looks for the single but Green sends him back.
24.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Fractionally short and wide outside off, Head goes after the width and cuts it hard but hits it straight to gully this time.
24.3
4
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Slashes and slashes hard, does Head! Short of a good length and outside off, Travis Head backs away to create space and goes hard at the cut, slicing it over gully and into the deep third fence.
24.2
2
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Full and just outside off, driven square on the off side and past cover-point for a couple of more runs.
24.1
2
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, A rare overpitched delivery around off, Travis Head is a bit late on the drive but gets it through the vacant mid off region and picks up a couple of runs.
24
over
24 | 4 Runs | HH: 53/4
23.6
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, A well-directed bumper at nearly 146 kph, lands it around off and angles it in. Cameron Green does well to duck under that one.
23.5
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Banged in on a hard length and around off, zips off the deck as well. Green hangs right back and dabs it down towards gully.
Bang! Cameron Green has been hit really hard on the helmet, and the physio is in for the mandatory concussion check. The umpires take this opportunity and call for DRINKS as well. England's hour or so without any doubt as they have picked up the key wickets of Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Usman Khawaja. The English pacers have been probing with their line and lengths, and the average speed has been well above 145 clicks. The Aussies are under immense pressure, trailing by 119 runs, and are desperate for a partnership here to get back in the game. All eyes will be on Travis Head and Green, who is now fine to continue to get them out of trouble.
23.4
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Oh, that one nearly cleaned up Cameron Green. A quick short ball, right at the batter and Green gets hurried off the deck and gets hit flush on the grill of the helmet. Green gets rattled but he somehow manages to keep his presence of mind and not fall back onto the stumps. That was a real snorter from Wood.
23.3
3
Mark Wood to Travis Head, On a hard length, angling in from wide outside off, Travis Head stays compact and waits well before punching it through the huge gap at covers and picks up three runs.
23.2
1
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Full and angled in on the pads at 145.8 kph, Green gets inside the line and flicks it down to fine leg for one. 50 UP FOR AUSTRALIA!
23.1
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Back of a length and around off, Green rocks back and firmly punches it down but can't get it past the point fielder.
23
over
23 | 1 Runs | HH: 49/4
22.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, On a good length and in the channel, seaming in a touch, Head watches it all the way and leaves it alone.
22.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, On a hard length, straighter and over middle, Head blocks it down the pitch.
22.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, A bit shorter and around off, Head hops up and nudges it down behind point.
22.3
1
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, Oh, they do go for the single this time and Green is safely home. Back of a length again and outside off, dabbed down towards cover for a quick run. Mark Wood picks up the ball and fires a throw at the bowler's end but misses.
22.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, Back of a length and around off, Green stands tall and punches it down in front of point. They look for the single but Travis Head firmly denies it.
22.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, Oh, dropped! Gus Atkinson will feel he should have caught that. Pitched up on the pads, Cameron Green looks to clip it away but ends up getting the leading edge back to the bowler. Atkinson is actually undone by the lack of pace and gets both hands on it but fails to pouch it. Green survives.
22
over
22 | 6 Runs | HH: 48/4
21.6
1
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, On a back of a length, angled at the pads, Cameron Green works it behind square on the leg side for a single. Australia trail by 124 runs.
21.5
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Rears up from a good length, on middle. Cameron Green is solid in his back foot defence.
21.4
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, A huge appeal for caught behind, but only the men behind the stumps are interested, while Wood is not quite sure by the expressions on his face. Stokes has a word with Smith, the keeper, and decides not to opt for a review. Pushed on the leg stump line, on a good length. Cameron Green is rushed on the back foot and attempts to nudge it to the leg side, but the ball grazes the pocket of his trousers and carries back to the keeper. The Snicko confirms it later on.
21.3
0
Mark Wood to Cameron Green, Touch full and around off. Green prods forward and pushes it to mid off.
21.2
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Back of a length on the leg stump. Travis Head tucks across through square leg for a single.
No relief for the Aussies as the England bowlers are bowling probing lines at a relentless pace from both ends.
21.1
4
Mark Wood to Travis Head, FOUR LEG BYES! Wood comes into the attack and lasers it straight onto the pads, on a back of a length. Head is late on the shot, as he looks to glance it off the hips. The ball grazes his front thigh pad and races behind to the deep fine leg fence. Jofra Archer who is stationed a bit squarer there, runs to his left and tries to stop it with his foot, but fails to do so.
21
over
21 | 1 Runs | HH: 42/4
20.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, A bit too straight down the leg side, on a short length. Cameron Green gets inside the line and shapes to tickle it into the leg side, but misses.
20.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, Tests the batter with a steep bumper, does Atkinson. This is over the middle pole and Green ducks underneath it.
20.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, Identical line and length. Cameron does the same. Leaves it off the front foot.
20.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, On a length, around off, Green is happy to let that one travel alone to the keeper.
20.2
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Almost dragged on! On off, on a length. Travis Head throws his bat to smack that through cover, but inside edges onto the back pad and the ball rolls to the leg gully region for a single.
20.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, A stifled appeal for LBW, but not given. Going way down leg. Nips in sharply on a length, on the leg stump. Travis Head cluelessly brings his bat in front to block, but plays over the wrong line and gets rapped on the thigh pad.
20
over
20 | 3 Runs | HH: 41/4
19.6
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Short of a good length, on top of middle. Cameron Green stands tall and punches it to mid on.
19.5
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Rinse and repeat! Back of a length, on off, Cameron Green gets squared up on the back foot and is beaten all ends up on the outside edge, trying to steer it to the off side.
19.4
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, BEATEN! Hits the deck hard, does Brydon. It is a length-delivery, just outside off, and straightening up a bit late. Cameron Green pokes at it on the back foot and the ball teases the outside edge before carrying through to the keeper.
19.3
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Short and steep from Carse, on middle and leg. Green alertly ducks underneath it.
19.2
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Length-delivery, outside off. Green opens up and plays with soft hands, guiding the ball to the gully fielder.
19.1
3
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, On a good length, just outside off. Travis Head backs away and lofts it off the back foot. It goes over extra cover and they cross for three runs as Gus Atkinson chases from the inner ring and mops it up in the deep.
19
over
19 | 7 Runs | HH: 38/4
18.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, Just outside off, on a good length. Cameron Green shoulders arms.
18.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, Fuller and outside off, left alone by Green.
18.4
4
Gus Atkinson to Cameron Green, FOUR! Eye-pleasing stroke! Atkinson serves a genuine half volley on middle, Cameron Green plays with a straight bat face and beats mid on to his left for a cracking boundary.
18.3
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Back of a length, skidding through onto the pads. Travis Head works it fine to deep fine leg for a single.
18.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Fractionally full and angling into the batter. Head again gets squared up, with both his feet in the air while attempting a flick. A leading edge is eked out as the ball goes on the bounce to Pope at backward point.
18.1
2
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Oh, a teaser at backward point! From around the stumps, Gus spears it full and it skids off the deck on middle. Travis Head gets squared up and tries to work it across on the leg side. But he closes the bat face very early and gets a thick leading edge. The ball flies over the leaping Ollie Pope at backward point and rolls behind. A couple of runs taken.
18
over
18 | 0 Runs | HH: 31/4
17.6
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Keeps it short and outside off. Cameron Green lets it fly back to the keeper. End of a successful over for Carse and England.
17.5
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, On middle and on a length, flicked off the front foot by Green to widish mid-wicket.
17.4
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Good length, on the stumps, Green bunts it back to the bowler.
17.3
0
Brydon Carse to Cameron Green, Short, outside off, worked off the back foot to point.
Cameron Green is in at number for Australia.
17.2
W
Brydon Carse to Usman Khawaja, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! The Englishmen are on top of this game now as Carse gets his second wicket. To be fair to Usman Khawaja, this was an unplayable delivery. Short one, from around-the-wicket angle. It lands and kicks off the deck viciously, taking Khawaja by absolute surprise. By the time he could bring his bat in front to block, the ball nicks off the shoulder of the bat, and Jamie Smith takes a regulation catch behind the stumps. The English players go up as one in the appeal and the finger is raised. Usman Khawaja departs without reviewing. 2 (6) for him and Australia are 31/4, trailing by 141 runs.
17.1
0
Brydon Carse to Usman Khawaja, Fuller delivery, on off, Usman Khawaja plays off the back foot and steers it to backward point.
17
over
17 | 0 Runs | HH: 31/3
16.6
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Short of a good length, at 143.3 kph, around off. Travis Head climbs on the bounce and dabs it to cover-point with soft hands. MAIDEN from Archer.
16.5
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, BEATEN! So close, once again. Archer spears this on a good length, just outside off, in that corridor of uncertainty. The ball lands and nips away late, beating Head's defences.
16.4
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, On a back of a length, angled outside off, Travis Head shapes up for an uppercut, but misses connecting.
16.3
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, This one kicks up off the deck, short and outside off. Travis Head gets on the toes to ride the bounce, and gets a thickish outside edge. The ball rolls between backward point and gully, as the latter fielder cuts it off with a dive to his left.
16.2
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, On a length, around middle. Travis Head plays from the crease and blocks it to mid on.
16.1
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Slants it across the batter with some extra effort, does Archer. On a good length, at the pads. Travis Head hops in the crease to tuck it across, but misses and the ball thuds the front thigh pad before rolling to short leg.
16
over
16 | 2 Runs | HH: 31/3
15.6
1
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Short of a length and on middle, Travis Head hops up and clips it through square leg for one.
Travis Head is the next batter in.
15.5
W
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Brydon Carse gets the big fish here, and this is a massive wicket for England in the context of this game. Hard-length delivery, on the fifth stump line, nips away a bit too. Steve Smith takes a step across to play at it, but once again gets squared up as we have seen throughout this innings. However, this time, he does not get lucky and the outside edge is found. It flies straight to second slip, where Harry Brook gets low to his front to take a sharp catch. Smudge departs for 17 off 49, and the Aussies are three down now.
15.4
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Back of a length and around off, Steve Smith punches it hard but fails to beat point.
15.3
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Excellent bowling! Lands this on a good length and in the corridor of uncertainty, gets it to nip away. Steve Smith gets squared up for the umpteenth time in this innings as the ball just goes past the outside edge.
15.2
1
Brydon Carse to Usman Khawaja, Full again and on middle, angling in, Usman Khawaja steps across and clips it to deep fine leg for a single.
15.1
0
Brydon Carse to Usman Khawaja, Fuller in length and on off, Usman Khawaja gets half forward and knocks it towards mid off.
15
over
15 | 1 Runs | HH: 29/2
14.6
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Ends the over with a bounce, on middle, Steve Smith ducks under it.
14.5
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, BEAUTY! Touch fuller from Jofra Archer, on off, threatens to angle in but holds its line. Steve Smith has a poke at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
14.4
1
Jofra Archer to Usman Khawaja, Back of a length and on middle, Usman Khawaja gets inside the line of it and pulls it through backward square leg for a single and gets off the mark.
14.3
0
Jofra Archer to Usman Khawaja, Oh..close! Jofra Archer comes around the wicket, serves this full and on off, gets it to move back in. Usman Khawaja gets very late into his push and the ball zips pas the inside edge.
Usman Khawaja is finally available to bat and he walks in at number 4.
14.2
W
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Jofra Archer gets his second and England are very much in the contest here. Archer bangs this one into the pitch, on middle, gets some extra bounce. Marnus Labuschagne gets into two minds, whether to leave it or play it. He is late to get his bat away as the ball goes off the toe-end, onto his right elbow and deflects onto the stumps. A very unlucky way to go, but Marnus's resistance is broken as he walks back for 9 off 41. Australia are 28/2, trailing by 144 runs.
14.1
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Jofra Archer lands this short of a length and outside off, no movement off the deck, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
14
over
14 | 8 Runs | HH: 28/1
13.6
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Much fuller and on middle, Steve Smith drills it straight back to the bowler.
13.5
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Play and a miss! Similar length, but much closer to the batter around the fifth stump line. Steve Smith throws his bat at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
13.4
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Hard-length delivery, just outside off, Steve Smith offers no shot at it.
13.3
4
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, FOUR! Finds the gap expertly! Brydon Carse bowls a bouncer, on middle and leg. Steve Smith picks up the length early and pulls it away. There is a deep fine leg and deep square leg in place, but Smudge hits this one between the two for another boundary.
13.2
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Much better! Lands this on a good length and on off, shaping it in, Steve Smith gets behind it and blocks it out.
13.1
4
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, FOUR! Put away! Short of a length and well outside off, Steve Smith gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through backward point for a boundary.
13
over
13 | 1 Runs | HH: 20/1
12.6
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne is not interested in playing that. Another probing over from Archer.
12.5
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, A sharp bouncer now, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it.
12.4
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Good leave! Good length and on off, jags back in a bit, Marnus Labuschagne watches it through and leaves it on length as the ball just goes over the off pole.
12.3
1
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Just wide! Hard length and on middle, jags back in sharply, Steve Smith clips it a but uppishly wide of short leg. Ollie Pope dives to his right but fails to reach it. A single taken.
12.2
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Back of a length and around middle, gets some extra bounce, Steve Smith steps across and keeps it out on the pitch.
12.1
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Beaten! Short of a length and well outside off, Steve Smith has a big slash at it but fails to connect. Jofra Archer thinks he has heare a noise but gets no support from the others.
12
over
12 | 4 Runs | HH: 19/1
11.6
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Bangs this into the pitch, on off, angles in, Marnus Labuschagne lets it go. Brydon Carse gives a bit of a stare, and there is a heated exchange between him and Marnus. It's all happening there and The Ashes is heating up now in a true sense.
11.5
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Another big shout for caught behind, not given! However, this time, Ben Stokes gives in and takes the review. Good length and on middle and off, straightens off the deck again. Marnus Labuschagne tries to play with a straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge. Jamie Smith, the keeper, grabs it and looks interested. The Snicko shows a bit of murmur, but there is a gap between bat and ball on the replay. The on-field call remains, and England burn a review. Stokes has a chat with the umpire in a quizzical gesture.
11.4
1
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes off sharply, Steve Smith somehow manages to climb onto it and pats to the leg side for a single.
11.3
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, A massive appeal for caught behind, but nothing from the umpire! Touch fuller and on off, gets it to nip away a shy bit. Steve Smith tries to defend it from the crease but gets squared up as the ball goes past the outside edge behind, where Jamie Smith grabs it. There is a sound and the England players go up in unison. However, Smith was ready to review if he was given out, and maybe that gave it away to Ben Stokes not to review it. The replay shows that the noise is from the ball hitting the flap of his pad.
11.2
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Short of a length and just outside off, holds its line, Steve Smith leaves it alone.
11.1
3
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Brydon Carse begins with a fuller one and around off, Marnus Labuschagne drives it away through covers, but not from the middle of the bat. The ball slows down in the outfield, giving the chance to Ben Stokes to get to it. Three taken.
Brydon Carse to continue after the break.
11
over
11 | 0 Runs | HH: 15/1
10.6
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Jofra Archer starts off the session with a maiden! He bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle, Steve Smith ducks underneath well.
10.5
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Pitched up and on off, Steve Smith stays back and keeps it out on the pitch.
10.4
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Back of a length and on middle, Steve Smith hops up and pats it down towards mid on.
10.3
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Touch fuller this time, on middle, Steve Smith gets behind the line of it and blocks it out well.
The physio is out again to have a look at Steve Smith and it seems like he's caught a nasty blow on one of the fingers on the right hand. It was the elbow before the break and now the finger after the break but Smith remains resolute and is gearing up to bat again.
10.2
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Steve Smith is taking a lot of body blows here! Short of a length and on middle, angling in sharply. Smith steps across to work it away but fails to ride the bounce, and his index finger on the right hand gets squeezed between the bat and ball. He is trying to shake off the pain.
10.1
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Nasty! Jofra Archer lands this on a good length and on off, gets it to straighten off the deck. Steve Smith once again gets squared up and takes another blow under his right elbow. That's gonna hurt.
We are back for the final session on Day 1. The umpires are back out in the middle and the English players can be seen in a huddle before taking their places on the field. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne stride back out to the middle as well. It will be Jofra Archer who will start proceedings with the ball after the break. Let's go...
... DAY 1, THIRD SESSION ...
Right then, 11 wickets have already fallen on Day 1 and with Australia still trailing by 157 runs, the final session becomes so much more crucial for both teams. This session could well be the telling factor in which team gets the upper hand going ahead in this game. The pitch did seem to have quickened up in that second session but is now slowly starting to ease off. Both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will be looking to spend as much time in the middle as possible whereas England will be hoping some magic from Jofra Archer right after the break. Stay tuned as the post-Tea session is up next.
Australia's reply was tentative to begin with and after Usman Khawaja was unable to open the innings due to the fact that he had to wait in the sheds for the amount of time that he was off the field during England's batting. Marnus Labuschagne came out to open alongside debutant Jake Weatherald. The debutant felt the heat of the battle right away and was sent packing on just the second ball by a fired-up Jofra Archer and for a while, it was all about soaking pressure. With Khawaja still not applicable to bat, Steve Smith came out and the two Aussie stalwarts managed to weather the storm and remained unscathed till the end of the session.
The post-Lunch session began with England at 105/4 and they desperately needed a partnership. Harry Brook looked in good touch but lost his skipper at the other end pretty soon after play resumed. Jamie Smith then came in and the two English batters opted to go hell for leather and picked up a fair few boundaries in quick succession as Brook even brought up a half-century. However, with this approach, the Aussies knew there was always a wicket around the corner and once Brendan Doggett got that maiden Test wicket, it all started to fall apart for the visitors. They went from 160/5 to 172 all out in next to no time and Mitchell Starc finished with his first-ever seven-wicket haul in Test cricket.
SESSION SUMMARY - 21.5 overs, 82 runs, and 7 wickets. An absolutely enthralling session of Test cricket comes to an end, and after just two sessions into this first Ashes Test, we have seen some lusty blows, some deadly bowling, and a lot of underwhelming batting as well.
10
over
10 | 3 Runs | HH: 15/1
9.6
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Fractionally fuller in length, outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it pass through to the keeper. And that will be TEA on Day 1!
9.5
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, around off, pushed off the front foot, but straight to mid off.
9.4
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, On a nagging length, around off, Marnus Labuschagne plays of the back foot and taps it to the point region. He is keen for a single and is a long way off for a run, but is sent back by Smith on a sharp call.
9.3
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, BEATEN! Good pace and bounce as this is hit on a length, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne loosely pokes at the delivery and gets beaten past the outside edge.
9.2
3
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Serves one into the slot, does Carse. Full and around off. Steve Smith leans into the drive and works it through the cover and point gap. The outfield is a bit slow and the ball loses its steam on the way to the ropes. Three taken as the extra cover fielder mops it up.
Five balls left in the session and there's a new bowler in for England. Can Carse get a breakthrough before Tea? Let's find out...
9.1
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Brydon Carse is into the attack now. Bangs it short and gets that extra lift due to a high release point. Steve Smith is taken aback and manages to fend it to the off side with soft hands.
9
over
9 | 3 Runs | HH: 12/1
8.6
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Touch full and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne with a low backlift, dabs it on the bounce to gully.
8.6
1
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, No Ball from Wood, as he has overstepped. Back of a length, on the stumps, angling further in. Marnus Labuschagne blocks the ball in front of his pads and gets a thickish outside edge as the ball rolls behind to gully.
8.5
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne opens the bat face off the front foot and works it to point.
8.4
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, At 151.5 kph, this is short and outside off. Marnus Labuschagne drops down his wrists and leans back to see that off.
8.3
1
Mark Wood to Steve Smith, Short of a good length, angling on the leg stump. Steve Smith moves across in the crease and nudges it to long leg for a single.
8.2
0
Mark Wood to Steve Smith, Wood clocks 150.9 kph, short and on top of off. Steve Smith rises on the toes and dabs it in front of the mid off fielder.
8.1
1
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Scorching pace of 151.1 kph, Mark Wood spears it full and on the stumps. Marnus Labuschagne manages to bring the bat down to block. The ball goes off the inside edge through backward square leg for a single.
8
over
8 | 2 Runs | HH: 9/1
7.6
1
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Fuller delivery, on off, Marnus Labuschagne steers it off the front foot to the point region for a single.
7.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, High-quality bowling! On a length, seaming into the batter from middle. Marnus Labuschagne gets a bit across, and pushes at it, trying to defend, but the ball cuts in and raps Marnus on the back thigh pad.
7.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, The length is dragged back by a yard or so, on off and middle. Marnus Labuschagne tucks off the inside half of the bat. The forward short leg fielder fails to cleanly field it and parries it to the deep. The batters sniff a single, but the mid-wicket fielder is quick enough to get to the ball.
7.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Straighter and fuller, on the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne defends off the front foot to cover-point.
7.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, At 138.5 kph, on a length, aimed at the sticks. Marnus Labuschagne blocks it off by pressing on the front foot.
7.1
1
Gus Atkinson to Steve Smith, On a length, around off, Steve Smith covers the stumps on the back foot and steers it to the right of the gully fielder for a single. First run scored off Gus Atkinson's bowling.
7
over
7 | 1 Runs | HH: 7/1
6.6
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Spicy stuff from Wood in his opening over. Slams the deck really hard by bending his back, does Mark. Outside off and the ball rears up. Marnus Labuschagne drops down his wrists and arches back to make a tight leave.
6.5
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length, on middle, nipping away. Marnus gets opened up and fends it to backward point.
6.4
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Absolute peach! At a searing pace of 149.6 kph, this is on a good length, just around off. Marnus Labuschagne gets all squared up and plays inside the line to defend. The ball straightens off the deck and breezes past the outside edge by a whisker.
6.3
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, on middle and leg, pushed off the front foot to mid on.
6.2
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Length ball, on the stumps, punched straight by Marnus to the bowler
6.1
1
Mark Wood to Steve Smith, Needed a direct hit and Marnus Labuschagne was gone for all money! Back of a length from Wood, angled at the pads. Steve Smith tucks off the back foot to backward square leg and instantly calls Marnus through for a single. Ollie Pope is a bit late to get rid of the ball and misses his shy at the striker's end, allowing Marnus Labuschagne to slide his bat inside the popping crease. A hasty single though.
Time for even more pace and it is Mark Wood who comes into the attack, replacing Jofra Archer.
6
over
6 | 1 Runs | HH: 6/1
5.6
1
Gus Atkinson to Steve Smith, A big shout for LBW, but turned down! Hard length and on off, gets it to jag back in sharply. Steve Smith gets stuck in his crease and tries to push at it but misses and gets hit high on the pads. The ball rolls towards point as the batters cross for a quick leg bye. There is also a shout for LBW, but turned down. Probably going over the stumps.
5.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Steve Smith, Swing and a miss! Gus Atkinson bowls a well-directed bouncer, takes off sharply off the deck again and angles into the leg side. Steve Smith gets inside the line and tries to hook it away but fails to connect.
The physio is out to have a look at Steve Smith. It did look like a nasty blow and an awkward blow below the right elbow and that's hit him right on the bone. Smith winces in pain as the physio performs a few exercises but hopefully, he is fine. Smith is handed a painkiller and he's determined to get back to the crease. The next ball will tell us a bit more about the extent of the pain.
5.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Steve Smith, Ouch! Gus Atkinson bangs this into the pitch, on off, gets it to nip away with extra bounce. Steve Smith tries to play it from the crease but gets squared up. He misses as the ball hits him on the right elbow. Smudge looks in a bit of pain here.
5.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Steve Smith, Lands this on a good length and on off again, Steve Smith moves across and keeps it out in front of short cover. He shouts 'No run' as soon as he hits that one.
5.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Steve Smith, Hits the length hard and on off, Steve Smith rides the bounce well and steers it towards point.
5.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Steve Smith, Short of a length and around off, holds its line, Steve Smith leaves it alone.
5
over
5 | 5 Runs | HH: 5/1
4.6
4
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Nicely done! Much fuller this time from Jofra Archer, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne presents the full face of his bat and plays just an extension of the forward defense. He times it so well that it races past mid on to his left and goes away for the first boundary in this innings.
4.5
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length and on middle, angling into the body of the batter. Marnus Labuschagne hops up and tries to clip it away but takes a blow on his midriff.
4.4
1
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, A loud cheer from the crowd as Australia finally get underway! Back of a length and on off, Steve Smith taps it in front of covers for a quick single.
4.3
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, 27 balls bowled in this innings, still no runs! Good length and on off, Steve Smith stays back and pats it towards mid off.
4.2
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Goes a bit fuller now, on off, Steve Smith takes a step across and guides it towards point.
4.1
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Fiery! Jofra Archer steams in from over the wicket, bangs in a quick and sharp bouncer, on middle and leg. Steve Smith ducks under it.
4
over
4 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/1
3.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Play and a miss and Australia are yet to get off the mark after 4 overs. Back of a length and outside off, seaming away a touch, Labuschagne looks to play with an angled bat but is beaten past the outside edge.
3.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Much fuller and around off stump, Labuschagne just dead-bats it into the off side. The Barmy Army has come alive it seems and they want another wicket here.
3.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Nicely bowled! Goes wider on the crease again and angles in a length ball towards off stump, but gets it to straighten off the deck as well. Labuschagne gets squared up and beaten past the outside edge.
3.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit fuller and closer to the off pole, angled in from wider on the crease. Labuschagne makes another well-watched leave.
3.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a good length and in the channel outside off, going straight on, Labuschagne shoulders arms and oets it through.
3.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitches the ball full and at the stumps, Labuschagne opts to stay back in his crease and blocks it on the bounce to the deepish short leg fielder.
3
over
3 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/1
2.6
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Good length again and around off, this one darts back in a touch at 148.7 kph. Smith looks to play at it, but is beaten and gets hit high on the pads. Archer looks in excellent rhythm early on.
2.5
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Good-length delivery in the channel, angling in a bit, left alone by SS.
2.4
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, On a good length and just over the leg pole, Smith moves to the off side and lets it through. That wasn't far away from the stumps, but Smith trusted the bounce.
2.3
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Oh, that is loose from Steve Smith. Length ball, well outside off and seaming further away, Smith almost falls over as he goes chasing after it and looks to hit it hard through the off side but almost nicks it behind.
2.2
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Goes a bit fuller and bowls it outside off at over 144 kph, gets it to seam away a touch, Smith gets across and shoulders arms at it.
2.1
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Bowled on a hard length at 143.5 kph, but this is spilled down the leg side and Smith just leaves it alone.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/1
1.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full again, on off stump, Labuschagne gets bat to ball this time and keeps it out. Atkinson begins with a maiden as well.
1.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, That is unplayable! Wobble seam from Atkinson, pitching it full on off and gets it to nip way sharply at around 141 clicks. Labuschagne looks to block on the front foot but is beaten all ends up.
1.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a hard length and outside of, Labuschagne leaves it alone.
1.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Goes a bit wider on the crease and angles it in full from outside off, getting it to leave the right-hander. Labuschagne is drawn forward and gets beaten past the outside edge.
1.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, The pitch seems to have just quickened up a bit. Hits the good length at over 141 kph and bowls it around the top of off, Labuschagne makes a steely leave based on length.
1.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Begins with a full-length ball at 139.6 clicks but serves it wide outside off. Marnus Labuschagne lets it through to the keeper.
Gus Atkinson is all set to operate from the other end.
1
over
1 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/1
0.6
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, A wicket maiden to start from Jofra Archer. Fuller and well outside off, swings in a bit and late as well. Steve Smith extends his arms to drive but gets beaten on the inside edge.
0.5
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, Hard length again, on off stump, Smith watches it well and pats it down into the off side.
0.4
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, A brute of a delivery from Archer! On a hard length and on off, Steve Smith gets across to the off side a touch to cover the line and block but the ball straightens off the deck and goes agonizingly past the outside edge.
0.3
0
Jofra Archer to Steve Smith, A wild delivery from Archer this time around. This banged in on a hard length and darted well down the leg side. Jamie Smith does well to spring to his left and pouch it safely.
Steve Smith is in at number 3. High drama at Perth as the English fans and the Barmy Army have found their voices.
0.2
W
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, OUT! LBW! A snorter of a yorker to follow up from Jofra Archer and there's an appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Ben Stokes has a chat with his team and opts for an early review. This could be interesting. This is bowled relatively full and around leg stump, swings as well. Jake Weatherald is just beaten by the pace off the deck and falls over as he looks to flick and gets pinged on the front pad. The third umpire is called in and there's clearly no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows it would have pitched in line and would have gone on to hit middle stump. What a start to Australia's innings. Weatherald departs for a disappointing two-ball duck on Test debut.
0.1
0
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Oh, a beauty to start with from Archer. Serves it on a good length and on off, this one hits the deck and seams away with additional bounce. Jake Weatherald has a bit of a poke at it but is well beaten.
Okay then, the players are back into the furnace after a tense Tea break in both camps. The English players walk out to the middle and spread out after a brief huddle talk, where Stokes pumped up words of motivation into his lads. And here we go. Again, it won't be Usman Khawaja to open for Australia. It is Travis Head this time around who walks out to open with Jake Weatherald. Jofra Archer has the new ball and is raring to go. Head to face. Here we go...
... THE RUN CHASE ...
Righto, we keep reminding you all again and again, and will do it once more. At the Optus, the team chasing has NEVER won a Test match. And for all of the rightful criticism of England’s reckless batting in the backend of the post-Lunch session, the pressure would be on Australia to chase this down. As this game has progressed, seeing the template, we just cannot deny any more twists and turns. A very crucial post-Tea session is coming up, folks. This could shape the fates of both sides. Back in a bit with Australia's chase. Stay tuned.
Australia's paceman, Scott Boland, who engineered that collapse with a 4-wicket haul, is up for a quick chat with Adam Gilchrist. says that he was a bit off yesterday, but found his natural lengths today and it worked. Adds that the pitch has not changed much, and if the batters can get through the first 30 overs, they can do better. Says that they would have definitely taken the target of 205 runs after being in a difficult position at the end of Day 1.
The chaos wasn't over yet. Jamie Smith’s long, controversial dismissal sparked instant uproar and activated the Barmy Army. However, instead of folding under pressure, England’s lower order launched a courageous counterattack. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse combined for a crucial, rapid 50-run stand, graced with breezy boundaries and biggies, which turned a bleak situation into a spirited fightback and hauled England right back into the contest. But just as Scott Boland returned into the attack and removed Brydon Carse, the wheels came off for England with Brendan Doggett executing the job of wrapping up the tail. In another mini collapse towards the backend, England were dented from 154/7 to 164 all out, handing Australia a target of 205 runs.
Scott Boland was the instigator, dismantling the English innings by claiming Duckett, Pope, and Harry Brook in quick succession, with Mitchell Starc ensuring the damage was absolute by adding the crucial wickets of Joe Root and Ben Stokes. This devastating execution was underpinned by a massive tactical correction from Australia. They came back fiercely improved after Lunch, bowling a fuller length that allowed the ball to curve and nip, relentlessly attacking the off-stump and overwhelming the English middle order.
Having secured a 40-run lead by bundling Australia for 132, England appeared dominant despite losing Zak Crawley for a pair to Mitchell Starc. However, a steady partnership between Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett stretched the lead to 99 runs with one wicket down at the start of the afternoon session. Yet, the momentum instantly reversed. In a catastrophic sequence, England crashed from 65/1 to 88/6 after three separate batters played identical, loosely-driven strokes to similar deliveries, each multiplying England's worries.
And... breathe. This opening Ashes Test has moved at a ridiculously quick pace. We are just 5 sessions into the match, and have seen 30 wickets tumbling already. Not quite sure which of the two teams would be happier as they head to take early TEA on this second day. Both teams have struck hard after having their backs against the wall. That's The Ashes for you. Not a single dull moment, and that's what we crave, don't we? As quiet as the morning session was, the afternoon has been equally chaotic, with momentum shifting back and forth. And to be honest, this whole Test has been a sheer highlight package, if not anything more.
34.4
W
Scott Boland to Gus Atkinson, OUT! TAKEN! Scott Boland gets his fourth wicket and that will be it for the English innings. Fuller in length and on middle, Gus Atkinson goes down across and connects with the scoop shot well, but just fails to get enough elevation. It flies towards fine leg, where Brendan Doggett reverse cups it nicely just ahead of the ropes. England have been bowled out for 164, setting a target of 205 runs for Australia.
34.3
0
Scott Boland to Gus Atkinson, Short of a length and just outside off, Gus Atkinson backs away a bit too much. He slashes at it but fails to reach it.
34.2
0
Scott Boland to Gus Atkinson, Uppish but safe! Touch fuller and around off, Gus Atkinson uses his feet and lofts it down the ground, but fails to get the timing. It goes in the air but lands well in front of Travis Head at long off.
34.1
0
Scott Boland to Gus Atkinson, Good length and on off, Gus Atkinson guides it through point for denies the single.
Scott Boland (11-2-33-3) is back on. He replaces Mitchell Starc.
34
over
34 | 10 Runs | HH: 164/9
33.6
4
Brendan Doggett to Mark Wood, FOUR! Oh..that's a good shot! Short again and on middle, Mark Wood gets hold of this one and smacks it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. The lead moves to 204 runs now.
Mark Wood is the last man in for England.
33.5
W
Brendan Doggett to Jofra Archer, OUT! TAKEN! Brendan Doggett gets his fifth wicket in this Test now. He bangs in a good bouncer, on middle and off. Jofra Archer opens up his stance to go for the pull shot, but the ball gets big on him. It takes the top edge and flies towards deep mid-wicket. Steve Smith is standing a good 20 yards inside, settles under it, but has to stretch his hands over his head to grab it. After completing the catch, Steve Smith turns around for a bit and gives a cheeky little stare at the Barmy Army behind in the stands. England are 160/9, with the lead exactly at 200 runs.
33.4
4
Brendan Doggett to Jofra Archer, FOUR! Jofra Archer gets into the act now! Hard-length delivery, outside off. Archer gets the chance to free his arms and slaps it through covers for a boundary. ENGLAND LEAD BY 200 RUNS NOW!
33.3
1
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Short of a length and on off, Gus Atkinson swats it down towards deep mid-wicket for one.
33.2
1
Brendan Doggett to Jofra Archer, Back of a length and around off, Jofra Archer tries to cut it away but toe ends it towards the straightish third man for a single.
Jofra Archer walks in at number 10.
33.1
W
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Brendan Doggett breaks the budding 50-run stand and gets his second wicket. He sees the batter move across and lands this short of a length, outside off. Brydon Carse tries to get inside the line to ramp it away but only manages to glove it behind, where Alex Carey makes no mistake. Carse walks back for a valuable run-a-ball 20, and England are 154/8, leading by 194 runs.
33
over
33 | 16 Runs | HH: 154/7
32.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, Big swing and a miss! Fuller and on off, angling away, Gus Atkinson uses his feet and has a wild swing across the line but only connects with thin air.
32.5
2
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, Pitched up and on middle, holds its line, Gus Atkinson looks to work it across the line but gets a leading edge wide of gully and comes back for the second run. Good running, but an equally ordinary fielding display. That also brings up the 50-RUN STAND between these two batters. Gets a big applause from the English faithful.
32.4
2
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, Goes much fuller this time, on middle. Gus Atkinson opens the face of his bat and drives it through covers for a brace. Starc is not happy with the effort from the fielder.
32.3
6
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, SIX! Into the crowd! Back of a length and around leg, not enough to trouble the batter. Gus Atkinson picks up the length early and whacks it over the deep backward square leg fence for another biggie. 150 UP FOR ENGLAND, AND THEIR LEAD IS NOW 190 RUNS!
32.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, A well-directed bouncer this time, on middle and leg, Gus Atkinson opens up his body for the pull but fails to connect.
32.1
6
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, SIX! The short-ball plan is leaking away runs here. Mitchell Starc bangs this into the pitch but down the leg side. Gus Atkinson tries to hook it away but gets a top edge that flies all the way over the fine leg fence for half a dozen more.
32
over
32 | 7 Runs | HH: 138/7
31.6
1
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Another short ball, on middle, Gus Atkinson pulls it along the ground towards deep square leg for one.
31.5
0
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, A bumper just outside off, Gus Atkinson goes for the pull but miscues it off the toe end of the bat towards square leg.
31.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Hard length and around middle, Gus Atkinson heaves it straight to square leg.
31.3
1
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, Just short! Brendan Doggett bowls it short again and around off, Brydon Carse tries to pull it but has to drag it from outside off and gets no timing on it. It goes in the air towards long on, where Scott Boland runs forward but fails to reach it. They cross.
31.2
1
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Back of a length and on middle, Gus Atkinson swats it through mid-wicket for a single. England lead by 176 runs now.
31.1
4
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! Put away! Brendan Doggett lands this short of a length but angles it down the leg side. Gus Atkinson swivels and pulls it away powerfully to the deep backward square leg fence for a boundary.
The fallout from Jamie Smith's dismissal continues to divide opinion, sparking heated debate among the on air commentators and across social media too. One camp argues that his body language, specifically his initial decision to walk off, influenced the third umpire's reversal of the on-field decision, with the Snicko revealing a slight tremor. The opposing view contends that the small gap seen between the bat/glove and ball, coupled with a potential spike from his boot grazing the pitch, or anything else, suggests the decision was not definitive and since it took ages for the verdict to be passed, it should have landed in favor of the batter.
31
over
31 | 9 Runs | HH: 131/7
30.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Short and around leg again, Brydon Carse fails to lay a bat on that one.
30.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Short of a length but down the leg side, Brydon Carse tries to hook it away but fails to connect. As soon as Alex Carey collects it behind the stumps. And we can hear some sarcastic appeals from the Barmy Army. It is all happening out there at Optus.
30.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Fiery! Mitchell Starc bangs in a quick bouncer, on middle and leg, Brydon Carse just about gets out of the way of it.
30.3
4
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, FOUR! Nice shot! Much fuller and on off, Brydon Carse leans onto his drive nicely and creams it through covers. The ball teases the fielder all the way just to win the race to the fence. England lead by 171 runs now.
30.2
3
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, Back of a length and outside off, Gus Atkinson cuts it away nicely through point. The ball holds up in the slow outfield as the deep third fielder runs to his right to collect it. Three taken.
30.1
2
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, Pitched up and around off, Gus Atkinson strides out and drives it through covers for a brace. Every run will hurt the Aussies here.
30
over
30 | 8 Runs | HH: 122/7
29.6
0
Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, Hits the length hard, on off, Brydon Carse stays back and stabs it out towards short cover. 8 runs off the over!
29.5
1
Scott Boland to Gus Atkinson, Fuller and on off, Gus Atkinson drives it to long off for a run.
29.4
1
Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, On a length and around off, Brydon Carse guides it off the outer half of the bat wide of fully for a single.
29.3
0
Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, Good comeback from Scott Boland! He comes over the wicket, lands this on a good length and on off, gets to jag back in a bit. Brydon Carse tries to push at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.
29.2
6
Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, SIX! Wow, where has that come from? Scott Boland pitches it up, on middle. Brydon Carse gives the charge, gets closer to the pitch of the ball and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. England lead by 160 runs now.
29.1
0
Scott Boland to Brydon Carse, Fuller and on middle, angling in a bit, Brydon Carse knocks it towards mid on.
Scott Boland (10-2-25-3) returns for another spell. He replaces Brendan Doggett.
29
over
29 | 2 Runs | HH: 114/7
28.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Overpitched and on off, Brydon Carse drives it to long off for one.
28.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Beaten again! Hard length and on off, gets some extra bounce. Brydon Carse tries to play it from his crease but the ball zips past the outside edge.
28.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Good length and on middle, Brydon Carse gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.
28.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Play and a miss! Short of a length and around off, gets it to shape away, Brydon Carse backs away and has a poke at it but misses.
28.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Brydon Carse, Fuller one and on off, shaping in a bit, Brydon Carse makes room and tries to drive it through covers but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball goes nowhere.
28.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, On a length and on off, Gus Atkinson pushes it towards covers for a single.
28
over
28 | 8 Runs | HH: 112/7
27.6
0
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, Brendan Doggett sees the batter back away and bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Brydon Carse tries to upper cut it but gets nowhere near it.
27.5
6
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, SIX! Goes all the way! Brendan Doggett bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, Brydon Carse tries to pull it away but gets hurried. It takes the top edge and flies over the keeper's head and over the fence for a biggie. It does not matter how the runs come, as long as they keep coming for England. The lead goes past 150 now.
27.4
1
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Back of a length and on middle, Gus Atkinson heaves it to deep square leg for a run.
27.3
1
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, On a length and on off, Brydon Carse guides it through point for a single.
27.2
0
Brendan Doggett to Brydon Carse, Short of a length and outside off, Brydon Carse lets it go.
Brydon Carse walks in at number 9.
27.1
W
Brendan Doggett to Jamie Smith, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! A fine review from Australia. Brendan Doggett lands this short of a length, angling it down the leg side. Jamie Smith tries to pull it away but it looks like he misses it as it goes behind, where Alex Carey grabs it, moving to his left. A shout for caught behind, but turned down. However, Travis Head at short leg is very confident and convinces Steve Smith to take the review. Snicko shows a small spike, but on the split screen, there is a bit of a gap between bat and ball. However, in the meantime, Smith gives it away in innocence and starts to walk back, and the third umpire asks for a few more replays. The spike in the Snicko comes after the ball passes the bat, but the third umpire, after taking his time, deems that it has made contact with the bat. The Barmy Army is not happy with the decision and they hurl out loud boos as the third umpire passes on the verdict against the batter. One of the longest, one can remember in recent times. But that was such a tough decision to make. Maybe because Smith showed his cards early, that helped the umpire to make that decision. Almost a similar kind of dismissal that brought Brendan Doggett his first Test wicket in the first inning. Well then, after a lengthy review, Jamie Smith has to walk back for 15 off 25, and England are seven down now, with a lead of 144 runs.
27
over
27 | 9 Runs | HH: 104/6
26.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, Beaten! Cross-seam delivery from Starc, lands this on a good length and on off. Gus Atkinson stays back and has a poke at it but the ball zips past the outside edge.
Halt in play as Usman Khawaja is looking sore. He was off the field due to back spasms in the first innings as well. He gingerly walks off the field. Michael Neser is in as his substitute.
26.5
4
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, FOUR! Fine shot! Pitched up and on middle, swinging onto the pads. Gus Atkinson picks up and flicks it away with good timing to the deep square leg fence for a boundary. England lead by 144 runs now.
26.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, Nicely kept out! Mitchell Starc nails a fiery yorker, on middle, shaping it in a touch. Gus Atkinson just about gets his bat down in time to dig it out.
26.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, Swing and a miss! Back of a length and outside off, angles away, Gus Atkinson throws his bat at it but fails to connect.
26.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Goes fuller but swinging way down the leg side, Jamie Smith misses his flick. Alex Carey, the keeper, dives to his left but only makes a half-stop. A bye taken. 100 UP FOR ENGLAND! Their lead is now 140 runs.
26.1
4
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, EDGED AND FOUR! Valuable runs! Mitchell Starc lands this short of a length and around off, angling across the batter. Jamie Smith tries to guide it away but gets hurried by the extra bounce. Gets an outside edge that flies over the leaping Usman Khawaja at first slip for a boundary.
DRINKS! A gripping first hour in this afternoon session, and Australia have roared back in this game big time. Scott Boland finally made his mark in this game, picking up 3 quick wickets, while Mitchell Starc got Joe Root and his bunny, Ben Stokes, for the 11th time in Test cricket. England lead by 135 runs, but only have 4 wickets in hand. Jamie Smith will have to be smart, trying to score runs but also saving his wicket. The Aussies will just want to ride on the momentum created and wrap things up as quickly as possible.
26
over
26 | 3 Runs | HH: 95/6
25.6
2
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Tails in from middle, on a fuller length. Gus Atkinson gets on the front foot and clips it wide of mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
25.5
0
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Short and on top of middle, Gus Atkinson pulls it to firmly off the back foot. Marnus Labuschagne does well to dive and cut it off to his right.
25.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Straighter line on the leg stump, on a good length. Gus Atkinson gets a bit across to nudge it into the leg side, but misses and takes a blow high on his thigh pad.
25.3
0
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, Back of a length, outside off, Gus Atkinson lines up for a square cut, but the ball bounces and passes above his angled bat.
25.2
0
Brendan Doggett to Gus Atkinson, A stifled appeal for LBW, but not given. Clearly going down leg. Onto the pads, full in length. Gus Atkinson gets beaten on the inside edge, while trying to flick. The ball rebounds from the front pad and rolls to square leg.
25.1
1
Brendan Doggett to Jamie Smith, Short and angled down leg. Jamie Smith rises up and gets a single with a little nudge into the backward square leg region.
25
over
25 | 7 Runs | HH: 92/6
24.6
4
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, FOUR LEG BYES! Curves back into the batter, on the pads, full in length. Gus Atkinson misses to flick and the ball deflects off his front pad and races behind to the deep fine leg fence.
24.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Gus Atkinson, Leaves the batter from a good length, just outside off. Gus Atkinson swings and misses.
Gus Atkinson is the next man in.
24.4
W
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, OUT! GONE! A 10-wicket haul for Mitchell Starc in this first Ashes Test. Simply brilliant and brutal from him. Hits the length hard, does Starc and then gets it to nip away from off. Ben Stokes goes fishing at it without moving his feet much. A thick outside edge is found and Steve Smith is not dropping those dollies at second slip. Starc has now dismissed Ben Stokes 11 times in Test cricket. The English captain departs on 2 (11). Problems multiplying for England as they slip down to 88/6, with the lead reading 128 runs.
24.3
1
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Nips away from a fuller length, outside off. Jamie Smith gets on the front foot and pushes at it with soft hands. The ball goes off the outside edge and beats Cameron Green to his right at gully. Jake Weatherald from backward point chases it to the deep. A single taken.
24.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Full, outside off, Smith drags his bat inside the line to leave.
24.1
2
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, A late inswinger on a fuller length, in and around middle. Jamie Smith brings his bat in front of the pads and punches it to the right of mid off. Travis Head chases it from the inner ring and keeps the batters down to two runs.
Oh! Mitchell Starc is not done with this spell. Change of ends for him.
24
over
24 | 2 Runs | HH: 85/5
23.6
1
Brendan Doggett to Jamie Smith, Extra bounce from a short length, angling into the batter's body. Jamie Smith gets inside the line and tries to drop it in the leg side, but the ball goes off the gloves and rolls through short fine leg for a single.
23.5
1
Brendan Doggett to Ben Stokes, Stokes takes on the short ball and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.
23.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Stokes, BEATEN! In the channel of off, on a fullish length. Ben Stokes strides across to defend, but the ball leaves the southpaw to beat the outside edge.
23.3
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Stokes, On a nagging length, at 133.4 kph, outside off. Stokes sees it off on the back foot.
23.2
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Stokes, Just around off and tailing back into the batter. Ben Stokes stretches forward to block in front, but the ball takes the inside edge and rolls off the front pad.
23.1
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Stokes, On a hard length, at 129.3 kph, just outside off, Stokes leaves it.
Mitchell Starc's small burst is done. Brendan Doggett replaces him.
23
over
23 | 0 Runs | HH: 83/5
22.6
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Full and outside off, left alone by Jamie.
22.5
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Back of a length, jagging back in on middle. Jamie Smith gets on the front foot to block, but gets beaten on the inside edge. The ball then hits the thigh pad and lobs to the gully region. The gully fielder dives to his left and grabs it on the bounce. A bit too high for an LBW appeal.
22.4
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Much closer to the off pole, on a good length, Smith shoulders arms as it wobbles away.
22.3
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, BEATEN! Boland hits the fuller length, keeping the line of attack outside off. Smith is drawn forward and tries to work it into the off side, but the ball straightens to beat the outside edge.
22.2
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Slightly shorter than a fuller length, outside off, Jamie Smith with a forward push, looking to access the off side, but gets a thick outside edge as the ball rolls to the gully region.
22.1
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Jags back in from a good length, on middle. Jamie Smith is taken aback on the back foot, but manages to nudge it off the inner half of the bat to widish square leg.
22
over
22 | 3 Runs | HH: 83/5
21.6
1
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Quick tap and run! Short of a good length, around off. Jamie Smith lifts himself with the bounce and dabs it in front of extra cover for a quick single. England lead by 123 runs.
21.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, A surprise bumper, on the leg stump. Jamie Smith is alert enough to duck under it. But this didn't rise enough from the deck.
21.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Now this is the one angled into the batter, on a good length. Ben Stokes tries to push it straight but gets an inside edge due to the angle created by Starc. The ball rolls behind to deep fine leg for a single.
21.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Another one pushed outside off, on a hard length. Ben Stokes is staunch to let it pass.
21.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Wide on off, on a good length. Stokes leaves it alone.
21.1
1
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Full and straight, on middle, Jamie Smith strikes it straight back to the bowler. A useful foot from Starc on the follow-through, as the ball deflects off his left foot and rolls wide of mid-wicket. A single taken.
21
over
21 | 3 Runs | HH: 80/5
20.6
0
Scott Boland to Ben Stokes, Tempts Stokes to poke at a full-length delivery, which is angled outside off. Ben watchfully lets it pass.
20.5
3
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Short and on top of middle. Jamie Smith confidently pulls it through mid-wicket. The slowish outfield means the ball plugs in the deep and is mopped up by Brendan Doggett from mid-wicket. Three taken.
20.4
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Pitches full and attacks the stumps, does the big Victorian. Jamie presents a full face of the blade and drives it firmly to mid on.
20.3
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Well bowled! Nips away from off, on a good length. Jamie Smith gets a bit squared up, but manages to withdraw his bat inside the line of the ball to leave.
20.2
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Fullish in length, on off, driven off the front foot to mid off.
20.1
0
Scott Boland to Jamie Smith, Back of a length, outside off, dabbed off the back foot to gully.
What drama! In the last 10 balls, England have lost 3 wickets, and to be honest, it should have been 4 if Usman Khawaja had grabbed his chance. The game has turned around completely, and this is now the last recognised batting pair for the visitors. They will be looking to take this lead over 150, as chasing anything above that on this wicket will be really challenging.
20
over
20 | 1 Runs | HH: 77/5
19.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Stokes, Straight and full, on off, Ben Stokes leans on and defends it right under his eyes.
19.5
1
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, EDGED AND DROPPED! It would have been four wickets in 9 rocks for Australia, but Usman Khawaja is the guilty party at first slip. Lands it on a fractionally fuller length, and the line is outside the off stump. Jamie Smith pokes at it, pushing with hard hands. Gets a thick outside edge and it flies low to the first slip. Usman Khawaja bends low to snaffle it, but the ball bursts through his palms and rolls behind him. A single taken. Mitchell Starc is not pleased one bit and understandably so. Jamie Smith gets a huge reprieve.
19.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, WHISPERER! Just so close to the off stump line. It lands and then wobbles away from the right-hander. Jamie Smith is stuck in the crease and hangs his bat away from the body to defend, but the ball beats the outside edge by a whisker.
19.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Jamie Smith, Angled across off, on a fullish length. Jamie Smith lets it pass alone.
Jamie Smith comes out to the middle now.
19.2
W
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Starc dismisses the English premier batter and this is turning out to be a disaster in the making for England after such a decent start. Starc bowls it outside the off stump line, keeping the line a bit fuller. Joe Root strides across to drive it through cover, but gets a thick inside edge as he plays away from his body, and the ball disturbs the off stump. Another failure for Joe Root as he goes for 8 (11). England are falling apart as the 65/1 becomes 76/5. Australia smelling blood.
19.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Joe Root, A single denied! On a back of a length, outside off, Root gets on his toes and plays it deliberately late. Guides it with soft hands to the right of gully. But Cameron Green ensures it doesn't go past him by diving to his right. Root sniffs a single, but Green is quick enough to get rid of the ball, which forces Root to retreat back into the crease.
Skipper Ben Stokes walks out to bat now with his side in a spot of bother. Also, Steve Smith smells blood here and brings his premier fast bowler, Mitchell Starc (5-1-13-1), back into the attack.
19
over
19 | 1 Runs | HH: 76/4
18.6
W
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Boland is on fire as he gets his third wicket and what a spell this is turning out to be. Australia are now back strongly in this game. A tad full from Boland, outside the off stump line. Harry Brook has a tentative push at it on the front foot. The ball nibbles away from the deck and catches the outside edge. The ball flies at chest height towards the first slip. Usman Khawaja takes a fine catch there. And from 65/1, England have slipped down to 76/4. Harry Brook departs on a three-ball duck. England lead by 116 runs.
18.5
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Back of a length, nipping away from the batter. Brook pushes at the delivery and gets an outside edge. It cannot go past the 'Albatross' stationed at gully. Cameron Green dives to his right and stops it.
18.4
0
Scott Boland to Harry Brook, Targets the top of off, on a good length. Harry Brook lets the ball arrive and blocks it off the back foot.
Harry Brook is the next man in.
18.3
W
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, OUT! EDGED AND CAUGHT! Boland gets the reward and removes a well-set Ollie Pope. This is pushed fuller from Scott, in and around off. It lands and straightens just enough from the pitch. Ollie Pope cannot resist himself from letting it go and slashes hard at it. Only manages a thick outside edge and the ball carries back to the keeper. Alex Carey moves a bit to his right and gathers a regulation catch behind the stumps. Ollie Pope departs on 33 off 57 deliveries, and England are 76/3, leading by 116 runs.
A catching deep square leg is in place now. Probably the Aussies are going with the short ball plan.
18.2
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Geez, that's a pearler from Boland! Lands on the seam and leaves the right hander from a good length, just outside off. Ollie Pope is forced to play at it on the front foot and gets beaten on the outside edge by a kitten-whisker.
18.1
1
Scott Boland to Joe Root, Short in length, nipping down leg. Joe Root gets on top of the bounce and tucks it to the backward square leg region. Travis Head from mid-wicket cuts it off to his right. A single taken.
18
over
18 | 8 Runs | HH: 75/2
17.6
1
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Full from Green now, on off, Joe leans on it and drives it between mid off and extra cover for a single. England's lead is now 115 runs.
17.5
4
Cameron Green to Joe Root, FOUR! A shot of real authority! A delicious short ball from Green, there to be put away. Joe Root gets the ball at a comfortable height. He weighs on the back foot and crisply pulls it to the left of deep square leg for a boundary.
17.4
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, Hits the deck hard, at 138.4 kph, on top of off. Joe Root rises with the bounce and punches it back to the bowler.
17.3
0
Cameron Green to Joe Root, On a length, angled down leg, Joe Root misses to flick.
17.2
3
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Touch full and on the stumps, nipping in. Ollie Pope flicks it into the vast pocket of deep mid-wicket for three runs.
17.1
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Pushed down leg, on a short length. Ollie Pope lines up for a pull shot, but it is a bit too short to execute that shot. The ball passes just above Pope's angled bat due to extra bounce. Carey collects it to his left. A slight appeal for caught behind, but it wanes down almost instantly. Snicko later shows there was no bat or glove involved.
17
over
17 | 3 Runs | HH: 67/2
16.6
0
Scott Boland to Joe Root, Full and on off, straighter line, Root drives off the front foot and finds the man at catching extra cover.
16.5
0
Scott Boland to Joe Root, Good length, outside off, punched into the cover region.
16.4
0
Scott Boland to Joe Root, Nagging length, outside off, tapped off the back foot to backward point.
16.3
2
Scott Boland to Joe Root, Root is off the mark! On a back of a length, angling onto the pads. Root flicks off his pads to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.
Joe Root comes out to the middle now. Interestingly, Scott Boland has dismissed Root 4 times in Test cricket.
16.2
W
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Boland strikes for the first time in this Test. 50th wicket for him in Tests on home soil. On a length from Boland, nibbling away from the batter. Ben Duckett has a tentative poke at it. The ball bounces and catches the outside edge of the bat and dips low in front of Steve Smith, stationed at the second slip. Smith bends low and scoops to gather it in his hands. Ben Duckett is going nowhere and the umpires just want to ensure the legality of the catch from Steve Smith. The replay shows that his fingers are cleanly underneath the ball and it is deemed a fair catch. This is Steve Smith's 203rd catch as per the on air commentators. Ben Duckett departs for 28 (40) and England are 65/2, leading by 105 runs.
Is that out? Ben Duckett is standing his ground, but the Aussies look very confident here. Steve Smith is pretty sure, but it has been sent upstairs. The replay shows that the fingers are underneath the ball and Duckett has to go.
16.1
1
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Tails in at the pads, on a length, Ollie Pope flicks off his pads between mid-wicket and mid on and pinches in a single. Pope moves into his 30s!
Who bowls now? It will be Scott Boland.
16
over
16 | 5 Runs | HH: 64/1
15.6
0
Cameron Green to Ben Duckett, Bumper on off, and it keeps rising off the deck, whilst angling into the batter. Ben Duckett brings his bat in front to block off the back foot, getting into an awkward position.The ball stings his gloves and rolls onto the pitch.
15.5
0
Cameron Green to Ben Duckett, From around the stumps, Green bowls a length ball, outside off. Duckett leaves this harmless delivery.
15.4
1
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Good length, around off, Pope plays with soft hands and drops it in front of extra cover and scampers for a quick single.
15.3
4
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Timed to perfection! Short of a good length, outside off, Ollie Pope gets enough width to work with. Hops with his feet in the air, but finds the gap at backward point for a boundary. ENGLAND LEAD BY 103 RUNS!
15.2
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Rears up from a good length, outside off, rising almost at face height of the batter. Pope is quick to drop down his wrists and makes a watchful leave.
15.1
0
Cameron Green to Ollie Pope, Beaten right away! Green hurls it on a tad fuller length, and swings it away from off. Ollie Pope has a waft at it on the front foot and gets beaten on the outside edge by a thin margin.
We are back for the second session! The player are making their way out to the middle now, with a few clouds hovering above the ground. Aussie seamers need to use the conditions to make some early inroads here. Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett are ready to resume batting for England. We will see Cameron Green for the first time in this innings as he will start proceedings with the ball. Here we go...
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
Ben Duckett took a few blows to the body and even survived an LBW scare just before Lunch. He and Ollie Pope are both in the 20s, but their recurring issue has been failing to convert starts - something England will hope they can change as they look to build the lead further while keeping damage to a minimum. Australia, meanwhile, knows that on this pitch it’s simply about finding the right areas. One wicket can trigger a collapse, and the Aussies will be hunting exactly that after Lunch to bring some life back into the contest. Join us at 5 am GMT to catch all the action in the post-Lunch session.
Australia’s last-wicket pair hung around for about half an hour in the morning and added 9 runs, but they still handed England a 40-run lead. Mitchell Starc came out firing once again, striking in the very first over with a brilliant return catch to remove Zak Crawley. Remarkably, this is the first time in Test history that a wicket has fallen before a run was scored in each of the first three innings of a match. Beyond Starc’s burst, though, Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett struggled for consistency. They beat the bat on occasion but never really threatened, allowing Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope to keep the scoreboard moving and stretch England’s advantage considerably.
SESSION SUMMARY - 68 runs and 2 wickets in 21.2 overs! There hasn’t been as much action in this first session as we saw on Day 1, but the game has still progressed steadily, and in England’s favour. The batters have shown far better technique and determination, and while the intent to score remains clear, there’s a noticeable layer of caution as well, which is exactly what their fans have been calling for - Bazball with a bit of brain. As we head into Lunch, England hold a lead of 99 runs and a strong grip on the contest.
15
over
15 | 1 Runs | HH: 59/1
14.6
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Smart review from Duckett, and this is a huge moment in the game. Bashes the length hard, does Boland, keeping the stumps in play. The ball lands and just nips enough to beat Ben Duckett, who lines up for a back foot defence. He plays over the line and is struck on the back thigh pad. A big, confident appeal for LBW as the Aussies go up in appeal as one, and Adrian Holdstock instantly obliges. Duckett immediately sends it upstairs for a review. Nothing on the Snicko, but the Ball Tracking shows the ball has pitched outside the leg stump line. It was a couple of millimetres outside leg, but that's still outside. In all fairness, height also looked to be an issue. Duckett survives, and the on-field decision is reversed. And with that, it will be LUNCH on Day 2!
Ben Duckett has taken another blow to his body here. This time around his left elbow and the physio is in to check on him. It has swollen a bit, and he is looking in some pain here. He is fine to continue now.
14.5
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Brutal! From around the stumps, Boland hits the deck hard, and gets it to angle into the batter. Ben Duckett steps out of the crease to give it a whack through the off side, but the ball bangs onto his left elbow and rolls to point. That must have hurt and he is looking in some discomfort. Probably needs some medical attention.
14.4
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Too far to reach that one. Back of a length, outside off. Ben Duckett takes a step back and rises with the bounce to play the square cut on the off side, but misses.
14.3
1
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Full and on the stumps, Ollie Pope forces the drive down the ground, but it is cut off as the mid off fielder dives to his left. Just a single.
14.2
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, BEATEN! Angles in and then straightens away as the ball lands on the seam. On a good length, on the fourth stump line. Ollie Pope is drawn forward to block, but the ball flirts past his outside edge.
14.1
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, On a length, angling outside off, it keeps nibbling away and Pope is happy to see that off.
14
over
14 | 4 Runs | HH: 58/1
13.6
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Lovely channel! Around off, on a fuller length, nipping away. Ben Duckett presses forward for a defensive push, but the ball beats the outside edge.
13.5
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Short and on middle, Duckett ducks underneath it.
13.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Back of a length, down the leg stump line. Duckett tries the flick and misses.
13.3
4
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Textbook! A genuine half volley from Doggett. He looks for some inswing, but barely gets any movement. Ben Duckett gets on the front foot and, with a straight bat, drives it gun-barrel straight down the ground for a boundary. England's lead is now 98 runs!
13.2
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, That in-between length, outside off, and it keeps rising up. Duckett rides the bounce and taps it to point with soft hands.
13.1
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, The stumps are attacked on a fuller length. Ben Duckett presses forward and bunts it down the pitch.
13
over
13 | 0 Runs | HH: 54/1
12.6
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Tight leave! Jags back in from a good length, on top of off. Ollie Pope trusts the bounce and shoulders arms.
12.5
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Around off at 137.3 kph, on a fullish length. Ollie Pope leans on it and drives it to mid off.
12.4
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Nibbles away from outside off, on a good length. Pope lets it be.
12.3
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, WHISKER! Fuller from Boland, and it shapes away late, outside off. Ollie Pope tries to defend it, but plays the initial line and gets beaten on the outside edge as the ball cuts away.
12.2
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Outside off, Pope leaves it from a length.
12.1
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, There's the line! Full and nipping away from the fourth stump line. Pope commits on the front foot, but he is not close enough to the pitch of the ball and the ball beats his outside edge by a thin margin.
Looks like there is an issue with the landing area now. One of the ground staff has come in and he is flattening out that area with the hammer. All set to continue.
12
over
12 | 3 Runs | HH: 54/1
11.6
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Too straight, down leg, on a length. Ben Duckett gets inside the line and misses to flick it.
11.5
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Hits the deck hard, on middle. Ben Duckett is solid in defence off the front foot.
11.4
2
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, A bit too full from Doggett, on off. Ben Duckett drives it crisply between mid off and extra cover. Travis Head from the latter position, gives it a chase and mops it up before the ropes. Two taken.
11.3
1
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, On a length, outside off, Pope rides the bounce and steers it to deep backward point for a single.
11.2
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Bounce! This one kicks off the pitch and nips away from the fourth stump line, on a good length. Ollie Pope flays at it loosely and gets beaten on the outside edge.
11.1
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, At 130.6 kph, just outside off, on a hard length. Pope gets on the front foot, watches it closely before leaving it.
11
over
11 | 2 Runs | HH: 51/1
10.6
1
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Short and on the leg stump. Pope plays off the back foot and steers it through backward square leg for a single.
A bit of an issue with the sight screen. Ollie Pope is not happy with something, but that has been resolved now and we are good to go again.
10.5
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Swings away from a good length, just around off. Pope offers no shot.
10.4
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Length ball, on middle, Pope hops across and nudges it to mid-wicket.
10.3
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, BEATEN! Boland bowls into the corridor of uncertainty, fractionally full in length, Ollie Pope draws his front foot out to drive it away into the off side, but the ball straightens across the face of the bat and beats it by a whisker.
10.2
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, On the stumps, on a good length, awkwardly fended across to the leg side.
10.1
1
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Short of a good length, jagging back in a touch from middle with some bounce. Ben Duckett takes a stinging blow on the gloves and the ball rolls to the leg side. They get a single, but Ben Duckett looks in a bit of pain as it hit his fingers of his left hand really hard. 50 UP FOR ENGLAND! And so is the partnership between Duckett and Pope.
Mitchell Starc gets a rest now. Change of ends for Scott Boland (3-0-15-0).
10
over
10 | 11 Runs | HH: 49/1
9.6
1
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Full and outside off, Ben drives through extra cover for a single. A very productive over for England. 6 runs off the over and the lead is 89 runs for England.
9.5
0
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Touch full, on off, eased off the front foot to mid off.
9.4
3
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Full, shaping away from the batter. Nicely driven by Pope through extra cover and they hustle for the third run by the time the inner ring fielder chases it down.
9.3
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, A stifled appeal for LBW, but not given. Clearly two sounds there. Angled onto the leg stump line, on a fuller length. Ollie Pope looks to flick but the ball cuts into him and thuds the front pad off the inside edge.
9.2
5
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Overthrows again! God, this is frustrating for the Aussies. Back of a length, on the pads, Ben Duckett misses to nudge it to the leg side as the ball rolls off the thigh pad to left of the square leg fielder. Jake Weatherald moves to his right, picks the ball and sees Duckett hurrying to reach the bowler's end. He releases the throw in a motion, but it is wide and wide enough from the mid off fielder as it runs away to the fence. So, England get FIVE LEG BYES!
9.1
2
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Overthrows! On a length, around off, Duckett taps it to the right of cover and sets off for a single. The cover fielder is quick to get rid of the ball, but his throw is a bit wayward and the ball rolls to deep backward square leg. This allows the batters to cross for the second runs as well.
9
over
9 | 1 Runs | HH: 38/1
8.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, BEATEN! And again, Starc beats the edge by a whisker. Bowls a full delivery, pushing it outside off, tempting the batter into the front foot drive. Pope almost falls prey as he draws his front foot out, being forced to play at it because of the angle created by Starc. Flashes hard at it and the ball beats his outside edge.
8.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Nagging length, outside off, Pope punches it to point.
8.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, At 140.2 kph, this is slammed hard into the pitch by Starc, on middle. Pope gets across on the back foot to nudge it to square leg, but takes a stinging blow on the gloves as the ball drops beside him and rolls on the strip. The replay shows that he took a double whammy on his body. The ball first clipped his right thumb and deflected onto his right arm. Didn't quite read the bounce on this occasion, did Pope.
8.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Loose, too loose from Pope! At 141.5 kph, Starc slants it across the batter, on a fuller length. Ollie Pope is nowhere close to the pitch of the ball and goes for a cover drive. Plays inside the line of the ball and gets beaten on the outside edge.
8.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Good-length delivery, outside off, Duckett gets on the back foot and places it perfectly into the gap between gully and point for a single.
8.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Hard length, around off, Duckett punches it off the back foot to extra cover.
8
over
8 | 8 Runs | HH: 37/1
7.6
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Fractionally fuller in length, on middle, Pope responds with a solid front foot defence.
7.5
4
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, FOUR! Nicely placed! On a back of a length from Brendan, outside off. Enough width to work with for Pope as he transfers his weight onto the back foot and cuts it behind square on the off side for a cracking boundary.
7.4
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Good length, on the stumps, solidly defended to square leg.
7.3
1
Brendan Doggett to Ben Duckett, Outside off, on a good length, worked to deep backward point for a single.
7.2
3
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, A bit of a sprint instantly for Lyon right after coming back on the field. On a length, outside off, curving away. Ollie Pope slashes it through to the right of Nathan Lyon at backward point. Lyon gives it a long chase and the batters cross each other thrice. Lyon is looking in some pain after picking the ball up.
7.1
0
Brendan Doggett to Ollie Pope, Operates from over the stumps and generates extra bounce from a good length, outside off. Pope hangs back and taps it to point.
Brendan Doggett comes in as the first bowling change.
7
over
7 | 3 Runs | HH: 29/1
6.6
2
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Fuller than the previous delivery, shaping away from off. Ben Duckett presses forward and eases it through backward point. Jake Weatherald from deep third cuts it off to his left. Two taken.
6.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Angled away from the southpaw, on a length, around off. Duckett steers it with soft hands to gully.
6.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, On a back of a length, with the pads at aim, swinging in. Pope lines up to nudge it through square leg, but does not connect. The ball thuds the thigh pad and rolls through backward square leg for a leg bye.
6.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, PEACH! This is a ruthless examination through pace and movement from the Aussie premier bowler. This one seams into the batter from off, on a hard length. Ollie Pope is cramped for room and tries to slash it to the off side. Gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball passes over the middle stump on its way to the keeper.
6.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, A sharp inswinger on a good length, on the leg stump line. Ollie Pope's head falls to the off side, as he gets a bit across, but manages to flick it to square leg.
6.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, At 140.7 kph, this is on a good length, across the batter, outside off. Ollie Pope weighs on the back foot, throws his hands at it and cuts it straight to backward point.
6
over
6 | 5 Runs | HH: 26/1
5.6
1
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Short in length, angled on the leg stump. Ollie Pope hangs back and nudges it to the left of square leg for a single. England lead by 66 runs.
5.5
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Nips into the batter, on a fuller length. Ollie Pope drives it straight back to the bowler. Boland bends low and sticks out his right hand on the follow-through and stops it.
5.4
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Fuller in length, at 136.6 kph, on off. Ollie Pope drags the bat in front of the pads and defends it back to the bowler.
5.3
1
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Short of a good length, moving away from off. Ben Duckett pivots on the back foot and cuts it wide of gully for a single.
5.2
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, On a hard length, on top of off. Ben Duckett hops off and bunts it to extra cover.
5.1
3
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Excellent running! Fuller from Boland, tailing in and around the leg stump. Ollie Pope with a compact flick through the mid-wicket and mid on gap. Brendan Doggett from mid-wicket is after it with a sprint and chases it down. Three taken.
5
over
5 | 3 Runs | HH: 21/1
4.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, TEMPTING! This one shapes away late from a good length, just outside off. Ben Duckett goes fishing at it as he hangs his bat away from his body loosely. Gets beaten on the outside edge by a few centimeters.
4.5
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, A deliberate short delivery, pushed down the leg side. Duckett lines up for a pull shot, but misses by a whisker.
4.4
1
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Hard length, at 140 kph, around off, Pope gently pushes it to the cover region and hustles for a quick single.
4.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Much closer to the off stump, on a good length. Ollie Pope prods forward and confidently blocks it.
4.2
2
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Fuller ball, around the off pole, Ollie Pope neatly drives it through the cover-point gap for a couple of runs.
4.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, A wide yorker outside off. Ollie Pope fails to dig it out, and gets beaten on the outside edge.
4
over
4 | 9 Runs | HH: 18/1
3.6
4
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, FOUR! Not pretty by any means! Scott Boland pitches it up and around middle. Ben Duckett charges down the track and swipes hard across the line. He only manages to slice it over the slip cordon as the ball races to the deep third man fence for a boundary.
3.5
2
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, On a length and around off, Ben Duckett opens the face of his bat slightly and guides it through backward point for a brace.
3.4
3
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Goes a bit fuller but angling into the pads, Ollie Pope flicks it away nicely with good timing through square leg and picks up three runs. England's lead goes past 50 now!
3.3
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Good leave! Lands this on a hard length and middle and off, gets it to jag back in sharply. Ollie Pope leaves it on length as the ball goes well over the stumps.
3.2
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Good-length delivery, on off, holds its line, Ollie Pope watches it through and leaves it alone.
3.1
0
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Fuller in length and on middle, Ollie Pope gets behind the line of it and blocks it out.
3
over
3 | 7 Runs | HH: 9/1
2.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Continues with the fuller length, on off, Ben Duckett drives it firmly but finds extra cover. Marnus Labuschagne picks it up and has a shy at the bowler's end, keeping Ollie Pope on his toes.
2.5
2
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Overpitched this time, on off, Ben Duckett drills it away through covers for a couple of runs.
2.4
4
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, EDGED AND FOUR! Mitchell Starc goes fuller again and around off, shaping it away. Ben Duckett pushes at it half-heartedly and away from his body. Gets an outside edge that flies between third slip and gully for a boundary.
2.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Ben Duckett, Pitched up and on middle and off, Ben Duckett watches it through and blocks it out.
2.2
1
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Almost goes through! Mitchell Starc bowls the money ball, full and on off, gets it swing in sharply. Ollie Pope looks to drive it away but gets an inside edge through square leg for a run.
2.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Short of a length and on off, Ollie Pope rides the bounce well and pats it towards cover-point.
2
over
2 | 2 Runs | HH: 2/1
1.6
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Much fuller this time, on middle, Ben Duckett stays in his crease this time and blocks it out.
1.5
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Nearly chopped on! Short of a length and on off, angling in a bit. Ben Duckett charges down the track to cut it away but this is too close to his body. He chops it down as the ball just goes past the stumps.
1.4
1
Scott Boland to Ollie Pope, Hard length and on middle, nips back in a bit, Ollie Pope misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards square leg. The batter crosses for a leg bye.
1.3
1
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, England and Ben Duckett are underway! On a length and on middle, Ben Duckett clips it away through mid-wicket for a single.
1.2
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Edged but does not carry! Touch fuller and on off, gets it to shape away a bit. Ben Duckett uses his feet and pushes at it with soft hands. Gets an outside edge that drops in front of third slip, where Beau Webster dives to his left to make a good stop.
1.1
0
Scott Boland to Ben Duckett, Good start! Scott Boland comes around the wicket, lands this on a good length, angles in but then straightens after hitting the deck. Ben Duckett tries to fend it away but gets surprised by the extra bounce. It catches the shoulder off the bat but goes safely towards point.
Death and taxes are the two inevitables in a human life. The third is Mitchell Starc striking in the first over and setting the tone for his side. It's not even an exaggeration to say it anymore. This man has a knack for doing it with sheer consistency. And now, as he walks to the ropes, he receives a well-deserved standing ovation from the crowd. Now then, here's Scott Boland, who will operate from the other end.
1
over
1 | 0 Runs | HH: 0/1
0.6
0
Mitchell Starc to Ollie Pope, Fuller delivery, on middle, sahping into the leg side, Ollie Pope tries to flick it away but misses as the ball brushes his pads and goes behind. Alex Carey moves to his left and grabs it and shows some interest, but nothing doing from the umpire. A wicket-maiden to start for Mitchell Starc.
Ollie Pope walks in at number 3.
0.5
W
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Oh...my word. That is an unbelievable catch from Mitchell Starc, and he gets Zak Crawley for the second time in this game. This is fuller and on middle, sticks to the surface a bit. Crawley goes through his drive a bit early and chips it aerially off the toe end towards the bowler. Starc's on his followthrough, shows an insane level of elasticity. He manages to get down and stretches out his left hand to grab it. He also has to make sure that he curves his wrists so that the ball does not hit the ground. The third umpire is called in to check for a fair catch, and after a few replays from different angles, he is convinced that the fingers are underneath the ball. Crawley gets a pair in this Test, and England are 0/1 once again, leading by 40 runs.
0.4
0
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, Pitched up and on middle and leg, Zak Crawley looks to tuck it away but it goes off the toe-end of the bat down the pitch.
0.3
0
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, Lands this back of a length and outside off, angling across the batter, Zak Crawley lets it go. Good carry as Alex Carey grabs it above his head behind the stumps.
0.2
0
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, There comes the stock ball from Mitchell Starc! He goes full again and on off, gets it to shape in a bit, Zak Crawley drills it off the bottom half of the bat towards extra cover.
0.1
0
Mitchell Starc to Zak Crawley, No hat-trick for Mitchell Starc! He starts with a fuller one around off, angling it away. Zak Crawley presses forward but does not get tempted and lets it go to the keeper.
How do England recover from this demoralizing defeat? While they will face deserved criticism for being too one-dimensional with the bat, suggesting the lack of preparation is the answer misses the point. The brutal truth is that Australia, through players like Travis Head, who picked his moments perfectly, executed 'Bazball' better than the inventors themselves. And with Australia's bowling heavyweights set to return ahead in the series, the pressure will be rightly on the visitors. Okay then, Australia go 1-0 up in The Ashes 2025/26 and now, both teams will head to Brisbane for the second Test. It will be a Pink Ball Test, and historically, Australia have won 12 out of the 13 Day-Night Tests played on home soil. The one that they lost was against West Indies, at the Gabba. It will be interesting to see how England will bounce back in that game. It will be played on Thursday, 4th December, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 4 am GMT. Until then, you can switch tabs and enjoy the live coverage of the second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati. But from this matchcenter, we sign off, only to meet again. Stay safe. Cheers!
The victorious captain of Australia, Steve Smith, begins by stating that it was an incredible day and provided a good start for Australia in The Ashes. He praises Travis Head’s innings as out of the world. He reveals a key tactical decision made during the Tea break. Shares that Head said that he wanted to open and the team allowed him to do. Smith also shares that the pitch was almost at its best for bowling, and Head played very smartly, finding the gaps and toying with the bowling attack. He adds that Marnus Labuschagne also batted really well. Shifting to the bowling, Smith calls Starc's seven-wicket haul in the first innings unbelievable. He compliments the entire attack, specifically mentioning Scott Boland's brilliant bowling performance in the second innings, also noting that Brendan Doggett got Brook out in the first innings when he was playing nicely. On Starc, he further adds that with two of the Big 3 out, he massively stepped up as the senior pro. Highlights that even in the first innings, he was simply brilliant with the ball wobbling around. Appreciates everyone for backing him up nicely. Notes that chasing 200, you want to settle the nerves early and that partnership between Weatherald and Head did exactly that. Hopes that Cummins is available for the second Test, as he is an absolute weapon with the ball and arguably the best bowler in the world. Smith concludes by saying that the team has a couple of weeks to assess the next steps for the Pink Ball Test.
England captain Ben Stokes walks to chat and reflects on the defeat. Stokes says that he is a bit shell-shocked but praises Head and calls his hundred as a phenomenal one. Adds that guys who tried to take on the bowlers got success on this wicket. Says that Head got the wind out of them, and they tried three or four different plans, but nothing worked. Mentions that the way they bowled yesterday was exceptional, a lot happened on Day 1, and it was good for the bowlers. Says that it is a tough loss as they thought they were in control. Ends by saying that they have a good break before Brisbane and will look to come back stronger.
Australia's Mitchell Starc is adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his 10-fer in the match. He took a 7-wicket haul in the first innings, and backed it up by taking 3 wickets in the second innings. He cannot hide his smile and appreciates the way Travis Head took the game away from England and came up trumps. Says this was a helter-skelter in the two days. Expresses his joy as he appreciates Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett. Shares that he was pretty calm the whole week coming into this game and that this was the first time he didn't have Cummins and Hazlewood to partner him. But appreciates the way Boland has been for the side as well. He says that he was the old head in the group but didn't change his role at all and that it's been the same for nearly 15 years.
... THE PRESENTATION ...
Needing 205 runs at a venue where chases historically died, Australia found an unlikely blessing in disguise. An injured Khawaja meant Travis Head opened the innings. Head just tore the heart out of the English attack mercilessly. While Jake Weatherald's bright start was cut short by Carse, Head simply didn't flinch, taking the sting clean out of the bowling. His breezy fifty kicked off an absolute carnage that left the Bazballers shellshocked. Head walked past records and straight into history, delivering a knock so dominant it felt less like a live match and more like watching a highlight reel on repeat. He was ably supported by Marnus Labuschagne, who himself was in desperate need of runs and capped it off with a stylish fifty of his own.
As quiet as the first session was, the afternoon was equally feverish. With Pope and Duckett settled nicely, England were on course for a big lead. But then came the big three drives off similar lengths. Pope, Root, and Brook - all gone within the blink of an eye, playing loose shots. Boland was the instigator of that collapse, with Starc chipping in as well. England lost 5 for 23, slipping from 65/1 to 88/6. After the controversial and highly debated dismissal of Jamie Smith sparked uproar, England's lower order launched a courageous counterattack. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse showed remarkable defiance, forging a breezy, game-changing 50-plus partnership that wrestled the momentum back and rescued England from the brink. But the resistance ended as Boland and Doggett wrapped up the tail.
Coming into the second day, the morning skirmish saw Australia's tailenders, Doggett and Lyon, hang tough for 30 minutes before finally conceding a 40-run lead to England. The pitch was immediately alive under cloudy skies, with the ball swinging just enough for Mitchell Starc to do what he does best. He produced a brilliant return catch to take out Zak Crawley in his first over, extending his run as the Test match executioner. Yet, beyond that initial jolt, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope dug in with newfound discipline, weathering the swing to nudge the lead to a commanding 99 runs by Lunch.
A two-dayer is what it was. The first day was a pretty hectic one for the batters, because the bowlers were dictating terms and conditions. No doubt there was enough pace and bounce in the wicket, like a typical Perth track. But the recurring theme was questionable shot selections from both camps. England was bundled up from 160/5 to 172 all out, all thanks to Mitchell Starc's sensational spell of 7/58 - his best figures in Test cricket. Brendan Doggett had a memorable debut with a couple of wickets as well. The only bright sparks for England were Harry Brook's fifty and Ollie Pope's 46, but none of the others really extended their starts. When Australia came to bat, a similar theme followed. The top order was blown away by Archer and Carse's searing pace, but the real dent was caused by Ben Stokes' five-for, which reduced Australia to 123/9 at the end of the first day's play. Only three Aussie batters got to their 20s and gave it away.
And here's the man of the moment, Travis Head, who is up for a chat with Isa Guha. Head says that it is seriously unbelievable. Adds that he hasn't processed yet what he has done out there. Mentions that it has been a hard two days, and calls England a serious outfit. Tells that Starc led them yesterday and they couldn't let his work go to waste. Says that it was the call of the coach and captain to send him to open and he was very keen to do it as well. Further adds that he could have easily got out in the first over, but it was the right process. Says that he has got out on 90s on a couple of occasions here and it was nice to get the hundred as this is a great place to bat. Mentions that he is not great at taking applause and tries to get out of the ground as quickly as possible but it was nice to see the crowd's appreciation. Ends by saying that it is a great start, they will celebrate but is also looking forward to Brisbane.
Dominance would be an understatement to describe this memorable chase from Australia, graced with Travis Head's historical centurion knock. One for the ages, truly. This is not just a win, it's a statement from the hosts as they have snatched it out of the hands of England. With the way the batters struggled on the opening day, it seemed like 205 is not that bad a target. But all the analysis and predictions of the cricketing pundits and experts were put to bed, once the bloke named Travis Head came out to open for Australia. This is the FIRST-EVER time that a target has been successfully chased at the Optus Stadium of Perth. 2 days is what it all took to get the result out of this first Ashes Test of this summer. Insane stuff.
28.2
over
28.2 | 1 Runs | HH: 205/2
28.2
1
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Steve Smith hits the winning runs! Brydon Carse lands this back of a length and around off, Smith stays back and punches it through covers for a single. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 8 WICKETS AND GO 1-0 UP!
28.1
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, A bouncer but around leg, Steve Smith ducks under it.
28
over
28 | 12 Runs | HH: 204/2
27.6
6
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, SIX! FIFTY FOR MARNUS! A fine knock from him and this should give him a lot of confidence going ahead in the series. Looped up, full and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne skips down the track again and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie. SCORES LEVEL.
27.5
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to short mid-wicket.
27.4
4
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Flighted, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne puts on the dancing shoes, gets to the pitch of it and lofts it away wide of Jofra Archer at mid off for a boundary. Australia just 7 runs away from the win now.
27.3
1
Joe Root to Steve Smith, Tossed up, full and on middle, Steve Smith drills it to mid on for a run.
27.2
1
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne clips it towards square leg for a single.
27.1
0
Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated, short and around off, Marnus Labuschagne tries to cut it away but chops it down to the off side.
The white flag falls from Stokes, it seems. Joe Root is brought into the attack now.
27
over
27 | 10 Runs | HH: 192/2
26.6
0
Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, A bouncer, outside off, Steve Smith lets it go.
The Aussie skipper, Steve Smith, makes his way to the crease at number 4.
26.5
W
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, OUT! IN THE AIR....TAKEN! The Travis Head show is over and he proves that he is a human after all. But he has put the Aussies on the brink of a historic victory. Brydon Carse serves this full, on middle and angling in. Head clears his front leg to slog across the line, but gets a bit of a top edge. The ball goes miles in the air towards deep square leg, where Ollie Pope runs a long way forward, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a good catch with a dive. Head gets a hug from Marnus Labuschagne on his way back, and walks off to a massive round of applause from the Perth crowd. He departs after playing one of the most memorable knocks in the history of this rivalry, by smashing 123 off 83, and Australia need just 13 runs to win now.
Right now, Travis Head has the bowlers completely mapped out. Short means pull, pitched means drive. But the way he has picked his gaps, he's reading the English bowling like an open book, and there is absolutely no way to stop him. And we might not even need the extra time as this is heading to a finish well within the allotted time.
26.4
4
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, FOUR! That sounded good! Brydon Carse bangs this into the pitch, on off. Travis Head drags his pull from outside off and thrashes it to the wide long on fence for a one-bounce four.
26.3
2
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Back of a length and on middle, Travis Head backs away and punches it through coers for a couple of runs.
26.2
4
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, FOUR! There is no stopping Travis Head here! Brydon Carse hits the length hard and on middle and leg. Head picks it up off his hips and whacks it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. Australia need just 19 runs to win now.
26.1
0
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Short of a length and around middle, Travis Head pulls it to mid-wicket.
26
over
26 | 20 Runs | HH: 182/1
25.6
4
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! 20 runs off the over! Gus Atkinson bangs this into the pitch and angles it into the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne once again moves to the leg side and swats it away down the ground to the long on fence for four more runs.
25.5
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Pitched up and on leg, Travis Head flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for one.
25.5
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, WIDE! Another very high bouncer, on middle and leg, Travis Head lets it go. Called a wide.
25.4
4
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR MORE! Short of a length and around off, Travis Head cuts it aerially and as soon as he hits it he shouts 'Oh... no, get over'. Brydon Carse is standing at a catching backward point and the ball just evades his outstretched hand to trickle away to the fence. This also brings up the 100-run partnership between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.
25.3
4
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Powered away! Hits the length hard and outside leg. Travis Head backs away early, hits through the line and thumps it past the bowler and to the long on fence for a boundary.
25.3
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, WIDE! A bouncer, on middle, but too high, Travis Head leaves it alone. Wided. Australia need just 37 runs to win now.
25.2
1
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around middle, Marnus Labuschagne steps across and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.
25.1
4
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Gets it away! Short of a length and angling into the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne moves to the leg side to make room. Atkinson follows the batter but Marnus is one step ahead and swats it away with a flat bat to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.
Okay, folks. Get ready to be bombarded with a streak of records that Travis Head has walked past with that breezy century. Head is not only the joint-third fastest centurion for Australia in Tests, placed along with David Warner, but he is also the second-fastest centurion in the history of The Ashes, just behind Adam Gilchrist, who scored it in just 57 balls, over the river at the WACA in the 2006-07 summer.
25
over
25 | 2 Runs | HH: 162/1
24.6
1
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne sways away and upper cuts it. Does not time it that well and that saves him as the ball drops in front of the deep third man fielder. They cross.
24.5
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Another bouncer, on middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne ducks underneath it.
24.4
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Bangs in a bouncer now at 139.7 kph, on midle, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it.
24.3
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Jofra Archer follows the batter and bangs this into the pitch, down the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne backs away but lets it go to the keeper.
24.2
1
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Slower delivery, on a length and on off, Travis Head steps across and guides it to third man for a single.
24.1
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Pitched up and on middle, Travis Head tucks it to mid-wicket.
Interesting. Nathan Lyon is padded up in the Australian dressing room and if a wicket falls sooner, he might come in as the nightwatchman.
24
over
24 | 6 Runs | HH: 160/1
23.6
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Fuller one and on middle, Travis Head steps across and flicks it right from the stumps to deep square leg for one. Australia need 45 runs to win now.
23.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Takes pace off again, hard length and around off, Travis Head shapes to heave it away but then tries to cut it. In the end, does neither and misses it.
23.4
1
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Slower bumper now, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne waits for it and pulls it to deep square leg for another run.
23.3
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, In the air..SAFE! It has been that kind of day for England with the ball. A bouncer, on middle, Travis Head tries to pull but gets a top edge. It goes in the air but lands safely in front of Joe Root, who runs in from deep mid-wicket. They cross.
23.2
1
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne backs away and flat-bats it towards extra cover for a single.
23.1
2
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pulls it in the gap between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. The deep mid-wicket fielder dives to his right but fails to stop it, but Ben Duckett from deep square leg runs to his left and slides to keep it down to two runs.
23
over
23 | 7 Runs | HH: 154/1
22.6
1
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pulls it to mid-wicket and calls Travis Head for one. The fielder hits the stumps at the batter's end, but Head has dragged his bat inside the crease in time.
22.5
1
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Back of a length and around leg, Travis Head nudges it towards fine leg for a run.
22.4
1
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched up and on off, Marnus Labuschagne moves back in his crease and clips it through square leg for a run.
22.3
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Another bouncer, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it again.
22.2
4
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Marnus Labuschagne joins the party! Short of a length and around middle. Marnus backs away to give himself room and plays a forehand smash like a tennis player. He connects well and hits it to the long off fence for a boundary. 150 UP FOR AUSTRALIA. They need 54 runs to win now.
22.1
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, A bouncer now, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it.
22
over
22 | 9 Runs | HH: 147/1
21.6
1
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched up and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne works it wide of mid on for a run.
21.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne clips it to mid-wicket.
21.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.
21.3
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, HUNDRED FOR HEAD! One of the best Ashes tons ever. This has been an incredible knock from him. His 10th in Test cricket and it has come in just 69 balls. This is short again and on middle, Travis Head backs away to cut it but gets a top edge. The ball loops up but falls safely in front of short third. They cross as the backward point fielder collects it to his front-right. Head punches the air in delight and swings his bat like a sword. The crowd is on its feet, and this is also the joint 3rd fastest hundred for an Aussie in Tests. Adam Gilchrist still holds the fastest Test hundred by any Australian (57 balls vs England in 2006, at WACA), followed by Jack Gregory (67 balls vs South Africa in 1921, at Johannesburg). Travis Head now joins the list, equalling David Warner in 69 balls.
21.2
4
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Head on 99 now! Gus Atkinson lands this back of a length and around middle. Travis Head makes room again, stays leg side of the ball and smacks it over extra cover for a boundary. The crowd is absolutely loving it.
21.2
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, WIDE! Tries the bouncer, on middle, but this one is way too high for the batter. Travis Head lets it go. Called a wide.
21.1
2
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Short of a length and on leg, tries to target the body of the batter. Travis Head makes room and cuts it away to deep point for a brace. He moves to 95 now.
21
over
21 | 2 Runs | HH: 138/1
20.6
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne opens the face of his bat and steers it to backward point.
20.5
1
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Full again and on middle and leg, Travis Head clips it through mid-wicket for one.
20.4
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Swing and a miss! Nervous 90s... umm... not for Travis Head. Much fuller this time, on leg, Travis Head clears his front leg away and has a wild swing across the line but only connects with thin air.
20.3
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Goes short again, on middle, Travis Head rides the bounce well and keeps it out on the pitch.
20.2
1
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne rolls his wrists and pulls it along the ground towards deep square leg for a single. Australia need 68 runs to win now!
20.1
0
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and on the sixth stump line, Marnus Labuschagne lifts his bat and lets it to go to the keeper.
20
over
20 | 9 Runs | HH: 136/1
19.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Pitched up and on off, Travis Head drives it firmly but straight to extra cover.
19.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, A bouncer now around leg, Travis Head backs away again but has to duck under it.
19.4
4
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR MORE! Head moves into the 90s now. Back of a length but down the leg side, there to be put away. Travis Head gets inside the line of it and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence for another boundary.
19.3
4
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! This is just extraordinary batting! Short of a length and on middle, Travis Head moves to the leg side to create some room. He knows there is no protection in the deep on the off side and slashes it over backward point for a boundary.
19.2
1
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne works it through square leg for a single.
19.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne clips it to square leg.
19
over
19 | 16 Runs | HH: 127/1
18.6
6
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, SIX! Wow, that is a shot and a half! The Barmy Army has gone very silent here now, and the Aussies are making all the noise. Jofra Archer bangs in a short ball and on off. Travis Head backs away to create some room. He extends his arms to reach out for it, but keeps his weight on the front foot and slaps it away over the long on fence for a biggie. Not many can do that to Archer.
Head is batting like there is no tomorrow. He has punched right through the heart of his English bowling attack and is in no mood to stop. This is not going into the third day if this bloke keeps batting like this. He has ruthlessly disrupted the bowlers' lines and lengths from ball one. And England have kept making mistakes of feeding deliveries in his strong areas, straying it all over the place.
18.5
4
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, FOUR! Travis Head is dealing in boundaries now! Short of a length and on middle, Head manages to get on top of the bounce and swats it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for four runs.
18.4
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, A good bouncer now, on middle, angles in sharply. Travis Head sways away and tries the same shot that Marnus Labuschagne played a few balls ago. However, he gets a bit cramped up and fails to connect.
18.3
1
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and on middle, takes off a bit and angles in. Marnus Labuschagne tries to clip it away but cops a blow on his gloves as it rolls towards square leg. They cross.
18.2
4
Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Cheeky from Marnus! Jofra Archer lands this short of a length and on off. nips back in a bit. Marnus Labuschagne bends back to sway away and lets the ball come to him. He opens the face of his bat and upper cuts it over the slip cordon for a boundary.
18.1
1
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, On a length and on middle, Travis Head gets his front leg up in the air and clips it to deep square leg for a single.
Jofra Archer (4-0-18-0) returns, replacing Ben Stokes. Probably the final throw on the dice from Stokes?
18
over
18 | 5 Runs | HH: 111/1
17.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and just around off, Marnus Labuschagne decides late to leave it. He hangs his bat away from his body as the ball goes off the toe-end and rolls towards second slip.
17.5
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Good length and on off, Travis Head runs it down to third man for a single. Nelson on the board now.
17.4
4
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Excellent shot! Gus Atkinson serves this very full and on off, Travis Head is not going to miss out on those. He leans on a bit and smashes it through covers for a boundary. Looks like Head does not want to take this to Day 3. And with that, Head gets past 1000 RUNS IN THE ASHES!
17.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Hits the length hard and on off, Travis Head stabs it out towards extra cover.
17.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Back of a length and on middle, Travis Head stays back and punches it toward mid off.
17.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Swing and a miss! Short of a length and just outside off, Travis Head slashes hard at it but gets beaten due to the extra bounce.
17
over
17 | 17 Runs | HH: 106/1
16.6
1
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Hard length and around off, Travis Head punches it to sweeper cover for a single. 17 runs off the over!
16.5
4
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Fourth boundary of the over! Ben Stokes bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Travis Head picks up the length early, swivels and pulls it with disdain in front of square on the leg side of four runs. Australia need exactly 100 runs to win now.
16.4
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Good length and on off, Travis Head stays back and keeps it out to the off side.
16.3
4
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Make that three in a row! Overpitched delivery, on off, Travis Head gets underneath the ball nicely and drills it to the left of mid off towards the long off fence for four more runs. 100 UP FOR AUSTRALIA! Head on a roll here.
16.2
4
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Ben Stokes lands this back of a length and on off, sits up nicley for the batter. Travis Head pivots a bit, gets on top of the bounce and heaves it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.
16.1
4
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Put away! Fuller in length and outside off, Travis Head extends his arms to reach out for it and crunches it through covers for a boundary. It will be hard to stop Head here. Australia need 112 runs to win now.
16
over
16 | 2 Runs | HH: 89/1
15.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Much fuller and on middle, angling in a bit, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to short mid-wicket.
15.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Hits the length hard and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pats it in front of point and calls for the run, but Head sends him back.
15.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Lands this on a good length and on the sixth stump line, Marnus Labuschagne watches it through and leaves it alone.
15.3
1
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Short of a length and on off, Travis Head opens the face of his bat and steers it past point for a run.
15.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Back of a length and around off, Travis Head stays back and punches it out towards short cover.
15.1
1
Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Risky single! Fuller and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards extra cover and sets off for a single. Ben Stokes from mid off runs towards the ball, picks it up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A direct hit would have made things interesting here.
DRINKS! Australia are well ahead in the game at this moment. Travis Head has been superb, already notching up a half-century. The debutant, Jake Weatherald, also gave good support but unfortunately lost his wicket, and that is the only one that England has been able to pick up. The Aussies need 118 runs to win, and they will want to knock as many as they can before the end of the day's play here.
15
over
15 | 1 Runs | HH: 87/1
14.6
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Almost a yorker, outside off. Head carves it out and plays it across to mid on.
14.5
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Big flash and a miss! With a packed off side field, Stokes bowls a fuller one, just outside off. Travis Head shapes to slash it through point, but gets beaten on the outside edge.
14.4
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Skids through the deck, on a good length, on off. Travis Head is rushed on the back foot and punches it back to Stokes off the toe end.
14.3
0
Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Fuller one, at 135.6 kph, on off, Travis Head drives it off the front foot to extra cover.
14.2
1
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne cuts it along the ground to deep backward point. But there is protection in the deep. Just a single.
14.1
0
Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Hurls it full, at 131.1 kph, around the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne closely watches it and leaves.
Ben Stokes brings himself into the attack now. He came onto bowl at a similar time on Day 1, and picked up a fifer. England are desperate for wickets here. Can Stokes do it again for his team?
14
over
14 | 7 Runs | HH: 86/1
13.6
0
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Full, on off, driven off the front foot to mid off.
13.5
3
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, around off and middle. Marnus Labuschagne transfers his weight onto the back foot and pulls it between mid-wicket and mid on. Gus Atkinson sprints after it and stops it just before the ropes. Three taken.
13.4
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, around off, blocked off the front foot to mid off.
13.3
4
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Marnus Labuschagne proves that conventional cricket can be beautiful as well. Loosener from Carse, a genuine half volley on middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne gets on top of it and flicks it to the right of mid-wicket for a boundary. No point in chasing that.
13.2
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Overpitched delivery on off, Marnus Labuschagne carves it out to mid off.
13.1
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Slammed hard into the pitch, on off. Marnus Labuschagne weighs back and punches it back to the bowler.
13
over
13 | 4 Runs | HH: 79/1
12.6
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, A yard behind fuller length, on middle, Travis Head punches it off the back foot to mid on.
12.5
1
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Touch full, on middle, this is flicked from the crease by Marnus Labuschagne. They get a single as the ball rolls wide of mid-wicket.
12.4
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off, cutting back in a touch. Marnus offers no shot.
12.3
2
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne weighs back and pulls it to deep square leg. He is keen to get the third run, but is denied by Head on a sharp call as the ball is cut off the deep by the fielder.
12.2
0
Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around off, nudged off the back foot to point.
12.1
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, FIFTY FOR TRAVIS HEAD. His 21st in Test cricket, and 6th against England. His second-fastest half century in Tests. It is well received by the Aussie supporters at the Optus. No surprise that he is one of the best counter-punchers in the world. Just a gentle raise of the bat and a fist-bump with his partner, as he knows the job is far from being done. But he has provided a very strong foundation for his side. Full and angling into the batter, Travis Head flicks using his wrists to deep backward square leg for a single to get to his milestone.
12
over
12 | 4 Runs | HH: 75/1
11.6
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, 'WAIT ON', says Marnus Labuschagne! On a good length, shaping away from middle. Marnus Labuschagne drags the bat out in front and defends it back to the bowler. Brydon Carse collects it on the followthrough, to his right and threatens to throw it back to the batter.
11.5
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, A real snorter! Angles in and then leaves the right-hander, with the seam positioned towards the first slip, on a fractionally fuller length. Marnus Labuschagne is taken by surprise as he gets beaten on his defences.
11.4
0
Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit fullish, on off, Marnus Labuschagne uses his wrists to steer off the crease to backward point.
Marnus Labuschagne walks out to bat at number 3.
11.3
W
Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, OUT! TOP EDGE AND TAKEN! Finally, a wicket for England through Brydon Carse. A lethal bumper from around-the-wicket angle, climbing onto the batter. Jake Weatherald shapes up for a pull shot, but the ball gets big on him and gets a thick top edge. The ball then rebounds off his helmet and lobs high in the air towards the extra cover region. Ben Duckett stationed inside the ring, nicely settles himself up to take the catch. Jake Weatherald departs on 23 (34) and Australia are 75/1. They need 130 more runs to win, with 9 wickets in hand.
11.2
0
Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, Around off, on a length, angling in. Jake Weatherald nudges it off the back foot to short mid-wicket.
11.1
4
Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, FOUR! Jake Weatherald gets into the 20s and has got his rhythm now! Excellent weight distribution from the debutant as he leans back on this short delivery and drags the ball from outside off. Heaves it to the right of the diving mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.
The runs are coming thick and fast for the Aussies now. Travis Head, coming out to open due to a slight injury to Usman Khawaja, has worked massively in favour of the hosts, and he is taking the game away from England here.
11
over
11 | 13 Runs | HH: 71/0
10.6
4
Mark Wood to Travis Head, FOUR! All class this time around! A bit too wide on off, short in length. Travis Head lets the ball arrive, rises with the bounce and steers it through the gully and point gap for a boundary. Another very productive over for the Aussies as 13 runs come off it. Australia need 134 runs to win, with all 10 wickets intact.
10.5
6
Mark Wood to Travis Head, SIX! England under the pump with that audacious shot from Head! Wrong line from Wood as this is on the leg stump, and short. Travis Head keeps it simple. Lifts the front leg up to balance himself and uses the pace to whip it nonchalantly over deep fine leg for a six.
10.4
1
Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, Laser-straight onto the leg stump, on a good length. Jake Weatherald uses his wrists to flick it, but misses and the ball rolls off the thigh pad towards deep fine leg for a leg bye.
10.3
1
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Wood slams it hard into the pitch, on the leg stump. Travis gets inside the line to pull it away, but the ball nips in a bit and he misses. It deflects off his gloves and runs behind to deep fine leg for a single.
10.2
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Short and going down leg. Head lets it be.
10.1
1
Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, Short and on the bodyline, Jake Weatherald weighs back and mistimes the pull shot off the bottom edge. The ball rolls to backward square leg for a single.
10
over
10 | 11 Runs | HH: 58/0
9.6
1
Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, On a good length, on middle, this is whipped off the pads by Jake to the long leg region for a single. 11 from this over, and 19 from the last 2 overs for Australia. They are really rushing and drifting this game away from the Poms.
9.6
1
Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, WIDE! For height! Way too short for anybody's liking, and it springs over the batter's head. Weatherald lets it fly behind to the keeper. Wide called.
9.5
0
Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, Full and a bit too straight, down leg. Jake Weatherald's head falls over while attempting a flick shot and he misses to connect.
Ollie Pope has been placed at short square leg.
9.4
1
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, On a good length, angling into the batter, Travis Head tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.
9.3
6
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, SIX! Oh my word! Just for a moment, Travis Head had his heart in his mouth. A bit too full, outside off. Travis Head crouches low and slaps it aerially, behind square on the off side. It keeps sailing in the air and Ben Duckett lurks around in the deep, but all he can do is watch the ball getting parked into the crowd for half a dozen. 50 UP FOR AUSTRALIA IN JUST 9.3 OVERS!
9.2
0
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, On a length, outside off, Travis Head punches it off the back foot to cover-point.
9.1
2
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Short in length, on top of middle. Travis Head lifts with the bounce and whips it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
9
over
9 | 8 Runs | HH: 47/0
8.6
0
Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, On a good length, on the leg stump. Jake Weatherald whips off his pads to the widish square leg region.
8.5
4
Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, FOUR! Deft touch! Short of a good length, outside off. Jake Weatherald waits back and opens the bat face at the point of contact. Manages to pierce the gap between gully and backward point for a boundary.
8.4
3
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Now, this is what we call proactive running! On a length, rising up after landing, on off. Travis Head jumps in the air and uses his wrists to punch it through the cover space. By the time Ben Stokes chases it to the deep and gets rid of the ball, they hustle back for the third run.
8.3
0
Mark Wood to Travis Head, Short, on off, Head taps it to cover-point with soft hands.
8.2
1
Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, On a good length, and it skids low from the deck, just outside off. Jake Weatherald leaves it for the keeper to collect. But, Jamie Smith misreads the lack of bounce and seemingly gets a bad bounce in front of him. The ball evades through between his legs. It is cut off by Brydon Carse who moves to his right from deep third. A bye taken.
8.1
0
Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, Spears in at 141.3 kph, on a good length, around middle and leg. Jake Weatherald plays off the back foot and nudges it in thereabouts of square leg.
England need a spark from someone, and Ben Stokes has turned to Mark Wood.
8
over
8 | 11 Runs | HH: 39/0
7.6
0
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Bangs it short and on off, Travis Head gets on his toes and blocks it watchfully.
7.5
0
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, On a length, punched to mid off by Head.
7.4
4
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, FOUR! Wow, that is some shot! Around the off stump, on a good length. Travis Head stays back, allows himself to get some room and cuts it over cover-point for a boundary. Australia are really up and running in the run chase as Head looks in an ODI mode. They need 166 runs to win.
7.3
0
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Hard length, on middle and leg. Travis Head hops off and bunts it down the strip.
7.2
6
Brydon Carse to Travis Head, SIX! Clever batting, this! Carse slams the deck hard, on top of off. Travis Head arches back, uses the pace of the bowler and uppercuts it fine. The ball sails all the way beyond the ropes at deep third for a six. That is a shot of a confident batter.
7.1
1
Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, Brydon Carse is into the attack now. On a back of a length, on off, angling in. Jake Weatherald tucks it wide of square leg and pinches in another single.
7
over
7 | 6 Runs | HH: 28/0
6.6
1
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Good, proactive running by the Aussie openers! Full and around off, Jake Weatherald takes a good stride forward and drives into the space between cover and mid off for a single.
6.5
0
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, This one decks back into the batter and zips through the deck. Full and outside off. Jake Weatherald watches it closely before lifting his bat in the air to leave.
6.4
0
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Attacks the off pole, on a fuller length, Jake Weatherald blocks it from the crease to the off side.
6.3
3
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Overpitched delivery, full and on off, Travis Head gets on top of the ball and crisply drives it through the extra cover and mid off gap. Gus Atkinson chases it all the way to the ropes from the inner ring and the batters run three.
6.2
2
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, On a back of a length, outside off. Travis Head gets on the back foot and steers it to the left of the point fielder for a couple of runs.
6.1
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Full and straight, on middle, worked to mid on.
6
over
6 | 6 Runs | HH: 22/0
5.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Full and angling in and around off, Jake Weatherald taps it with soft hands to point.
5.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Back of a length, around off, Jake Weatherald presses in front and blocks it to widish cover.
5.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Shoots up from the deck, outside off, on a length. Left alone by Jake Weatherald.
5.3
3
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Very full and on off, Travis Head gets forward and drives it to the left of mid off and collects three more runs.
5.2
3
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Fine shot! Short of length and on off, Jake Weatherald steps across, swivels and pulls it away nicely through backward square leg. Ollie Pope chases after and slides well to save one for his team. Three taken.
5.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Fuller in length and on the fifth stump line, Jake Weatherald leaves it alone.
5
over
5 | 9 Runs | HH: 16/0
4.6
1
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Short and on middle, Jake Weatherald weighs back and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
4.5
0
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, A good review from Jake Weatherald and that forces the umpire to reverse the on-field decision. A good-length delivery, it is that nip-backer that shoots back into the batter. Jake Weatherald gets on the front foot to block, but plays the initial line and is beaten all ends up. A huge appeal for caught behind and Nitin Menon instantly raises his finger up. And immediately, Jake Weatherald reviews it. There were definitely two sounds, but was that off the thigh pad and not the bat's inside edge? Thought so. Snicko does not detect anything when the ball is next to the inside edge, but a spike does appear when the ball grazes the back thigh. And just to be doubly sure, the third umpire calls for Ball Tracking to check for a potential LBW, but Jake Weatherald is lucky enough as the impact is well outside the off stump. Not Out and the debutant survives.
Is that out? Jake Weatherald has been given out on-field for a caught behind appeal. However, he has taken the review right away. Snicko and replay show that the ball has gone off his pads and not the bat. Good review!
4.4
4
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, EDGED, FOUR! Streaky, but that will help Jake Weatherald and Australia. Archer goes full and around off. It just nips enough to take the outside edge as Jake Weatherald prods forward to push at it. The ball shoots between gully and second slip before hugging the deep third fence.
4.3
1
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, On a length, nudged through mid-wicket for a single.
4.2
3
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, And he is up and running. First runs for Jake Weatherald in Test cricket, which is received by a huge cheer from the Aussie faithful. On a length, tailing in a bit, Jake Weatherald flicks it through square leg, all along the ground and they hustle back for the third run.
4.1
0
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, In-between length, just outside off. Jake Weatherald shoulders arms.
4
over
4 | 4 Runs | HH: 7/0
3.6
4
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Easy pickings for someone like Head! Full and swinging back in wildly on middle. Travis Head flicks off his pads and trickles away to the fence.
3.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Full in length, at 133.1 kph, outside off, Travis Head strides across and eases it to cover-point.
3.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, On a hard length, at 136.8 kph, just outside off. Travis Head plays from the crease and taps it to backward point.
3.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, On top of off, on a slightly fuller length. Travis Head lets the ball arrive at him and blocks it down the pitch with soft hands.
3.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Nips in from middle, on a length. Travis Head shapes to nudge through square leg, but misses and the ball slams his front thigh pad.
3.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Back of a length from around the stumps, on off. Travis Head climbs over it and cuts it powerfully to pierce the point gap. But Brydon Carse shows good agility as his dives to his right to cut that off.
3
over
3 | 1 Runs | HH: 3/0
2.6
0
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Nagging length, scuttling through the deck, outside off. Jake Weatherald leaves off the back foot.
2.5
0
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Full and outside off, Jake Weatherald offers no shot at it.
2.4
0
Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Big swing, but no run. Skids through the deck, on a good length, on middle and off. Jake Weatherald is rushed into the pull shot and takes a stinging blow around his midriff as the ball rebouds towards the gully fielder.
2.3
1
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Short of a good length, outside off with extra bounce. Head rides on the lift of the ball and guides it to deep backward point for a single.
2.2
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Pitched short and around off, Travis Head opens the bat face at the point of contact and steers it to point.
2.1
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Slams the deck hard, on middle, Head hops off and bunts it down the pitch.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 2/0
1.6
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Outside off, on a length, left alone by Weatherald.
1.5
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Bangs it well short, and outside off. Jake lines up for a square cut by leaning back, but the extra bounce does him in and beats him.
1.4
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Touch fuller and on middle, straightens a bit. Jake Weatherald opens the face of his bat and steers it towards point.
1.3
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Short of a length and on off, Jake Weatherald steps across and dabs it towards point.
1.2
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Back of a length and around off again, Jake Weatherald once again offers no shot a it.
1.1
0
Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Gus Atkinson begins with a good-length delivery, outside off, holds its line, Jake Weatherald watches it through and leaves it alone.
Gus Atkinson to share the attack from the other end.
1
over
1 | 2 Runs | HH: 2/0
0.6
2
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Australia get underway in the chase! Fullish delivery but on the pads, Travis Head clips it away through backward square leg for a couple of runs.
0.5
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Jofra Archer bangs this one into the pitch around off, shaping it away from the batter. Travis Head lifts his hands up and lets it go to the keeper.
0.4
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Pitched up and on off, Travis Head stays deep inside his crease and keeps it out to the off side.
0.3
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Loose delivery! Back of a length but down the leg side, Travis Head makes an easy leave.
0.2
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, BEATEN! Touch fuller and on off, gets it to shape away. Travis Head stays back and pushes at it with hard hands but gets beaten on the outside edge.
0.1
0
Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Jofra Archer starts with a good-length delivery, on leg, Travis Head lets it go. It moves away after going behind the stumps, and Jamie Smith adjusts well to collect it.
Australia
Jake Weatherald
Bat/Bow
Usman Khawaja
Bat/Bow
Marnus Labuschagne
Bat/Bow
Steve Smith
CAP/Bat/Bow
Travis Head
Bat/Bow
Cameron Green
Bat/Bow
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Bat/Bow
Nathan Lyon
Bat/Bow
Brendan Doggett
Bat/Bow
Scott Boland
Bat/Bow
England
Zak Crawley
Bat/Bow
Ben Duckett
Bat/Bow
Ollie Pope
Bat/Bow
Joe Root
Bat/Bow
Harry Brook
Bat/Bow
Ben Stokes
CAP/Bat/Bow
Jamie Smith
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Gus Atkinson
Bat/Bow
Brydon Carse
Bat/Bow
Jofra Archer
Bat/Bow
Mark Wood
Bat/Bow
Match Details
SeriesThe Ashes, 2025/26VenuePerth Stadium, PerthDate 21 Nov 2025 - 22 Nov 2025Toss ENG, elected to bat firstUmpiresAdrian Holdstock (SA), Nitin Menon (IND) and Sharfuddoula Saikat (BAN)Match Result Australia beat England by 8 wickets Player Of The Match Mitchell Starc
Match Result Update: Australia vs England, 1st Test - The Ashes, 2025/26
The 1st Test between Australia and England at Perth Stadium, Perth ended with a win for Australia, who successfully chased down a target of 205, winning the match by 8 wickets.
Travis Head anchored the innings with a brilliant 123 off 83, while Marnus Labuschagne provided key support with 51 runs. Together, they guided Australia to 205/2 in 28.2 overs.
Match Summary:
England 1st Innings: 172
Australia 1st Innings: 132
England 2nd Innings: 164
Australia 2nd Innings: 205
Stay tuned for real-time commentary, ball-by-ball updates, and full scorecard details. Catch all the action from the The Ashes, 2025/26, including milestones, fall of wickets, and session-wise summaries - only on Indian Express Live Cricket Score Page.