Ashes: Starc takes seven, Stokes five on enthralling 19-wicket day in Perth

Captain Ben Stokes took five wickets as England’s fast bowlers sensationally tore into Australia on an electrifying opening day of the Ashes.

In a captivating slugfest on a fast and bouncy pitch in Perth, England were bundled out for 172, only to reduce Australia to 123-9.

The ferocious action lived up to the hype of the most anticipated Ashes series in recent memory.

Surprisingly batting first on winning the toss, England ‘Bazballed’ their way into trouble. Zak Crawley was out for a duck from the sixth ball of the series to Mitchell Starc, who was irrepressible in taking 7-58.

Harry Brook swiped 52 and Ollie Pope batted nicely for 46, but England lost their last five wickets for 12 runs to be bowled out in 32.5 overs – the shortest first innings of an Ashes Test in this country for 123 years.

The tourists’ five-man pace attack responded with the fastest display of bowling by an England team since such data was first collected 18 years ago.

Jofra Archer was magnificent and deserved more than two wickets. Any time there was a lull, England had a fresh paceman to turn to. Brydon Carse removed Australia captain and Monty Panesar’s nemesis Steve Smith.

Stokes used himself as the fifth bowler, firstly snuffing out any suggestion of an Australia fightback then running through the long tail. Playing for the first time since suffering a shoulder injury in July, the skipper claimed his second five-wicket haul in as many Tests.

At the end of a breathless and unforgettable day, 19 wickets have fallen, England lead by 49 and have a golden opportunity to go 1-0 up.

Pace in Perth delivers Ashes opener for the ages

After the expectation, speculation and trash talk, cricket’s oldest rivalry once again delivered. This was an Ashes opening day for the ages.

England have not come close to winning an away Ashes for 14 years. At the end of Friday, Australia would have been left in no doubt they are in a contest this time around.

The spicy pitch played its part, as did the cacophonous atmosphere created by 51,531 inside the colossal Perth Stadium. But what will live long in the memory is the speed, hostility and quality of bowling from both teams.

Stokes looked to history with his decision at the toss – all of the five previous Tests at this ground have been won by the team batting first. For as bad England were with the bat, they were equally as good with the ball.

This match has echoes of the previous Test on this ground, when 17 wickets fell on day one. Twelve months ago, India were bowled out for 150, only to then burst through Australia for 104. India went on to win by 295 runs.

England’s bowlers have dragged them into this match; now the batters must play their part on day two. Stokes’ team are one strong batting innings away from a 1-0 lead. (BBC)