The England captain delivered a sensational display with the ball to ignite hopes of a famous Ashes victory in the first Test in Perth, but his strategy helped the tourists seize the moment on day one

Veteran quick Mitchell Starc was in devastating form, taking a career-best 7-58. But by the close, Ben Stokes was bouncing through Australian batters — and then the celebrations of his England team-mates — to bag 5-23 himself to ensure the visitors sleep well ahead of tomorrow’s second day, when Australia will resume on 123 for nine.

Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc stood tall on Friday with career-best bowling figures of seven for 58 to help skittle England for 172 before tea on a frenetic first day of the Ashes opener in Perth,

You couldn’t ask for anything much bigger in Test cricket than the 2025–26 Ashes. Australia vs England is the most historic rivalry in sport, and we could be about to get a series of a lifetime akin to those of 2005 or 2023 as Ben Stokes’ side face Australia.

Few sporting contests carry the history, drama and aura of the Ashes. Born from a mock newspaper obituary in 1882 and symbolized by a tiny urn, the rivalry between Australia and England has shaped more than a century of test cricket.

Alastair Eykyn and Rob Hatch are better known for commentating on rugby and cycling but are helming coverage of the Ashes this winter