England’s pace barrage on day one of the Ashes series in Perth was so dominant that former captain Michael Vaughan declared, “I would not want to face this attack on this pitch.” The tourists’ five fast bowlers reduced Australia to 123-9 at the close of play, after England had been dismissed for 172 earlier in the day.
Stokes leads England’s charge
Ben Stokes produced a sensational spell, taking five wickets for just 23 runs in six overs. This came after Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse had each taken two wickets to dismantle Australia’s top order. Stokes’ brilliant bowling meant England finished the day 49 runs ahead, despite a chaotic opening day that saw 19 wickets fall.
Vaughan, who led England to an Ashes victory in 2005, praised the consistency and skill of England’s pace attack, saying, “I don’t remember England bowling overs of this quality [before]. The pacers have been consistent, skilful, and quick. I admire this set of England bowlers hugely.”
Australia struggling against England’s pace
The Australian batsmen were constantly under pressure, with over 40% of the deliveries they faced in the first 25 overs inducing false shots. Since the collection of such data began in 2006, this is the fifth-highest percentage of false shots drawn by any team in the first 25 overs of an innings in Test cricket.
Stokes’ five-wicket haul, achieved in just 36 balls, marked the fifth-fastest five-wicket innings by an England bowler.
Vaughan added, “There was some brilliant bowling. There’s a bit of movement and steep bounce on this Perth pitch. You need bowlers to get you out of trouble, and all five quick bowlers bowled with skill, pace, and were intimidating.”
Tactical moves for the next innings
Vaughan also spoke about the tactical approach by England, noting that they managed to unsettle Australia’s top order early in the series, which could have lasting effects. “You can scar a team very early in a series,” he said, emphasizing the importance of England’s bowling strategy moving forward.
When England were at 160-5, Vaughan suggested they should aim for 250 runs, acknowledging that “250 is a good score in the first innings here.” He added, “This pitch might flatten out a bit, and cracks might develop, but par isn’t 350.”
