PERTH, Australia: England secured a valuable 40-run first-innings lead before Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc produced a moment of magic to strike in the opening over of the second innings, continuing a chaotic and fast-moving first Ashes Test on Saturday. After a breathtaking first day that saw 19 wickets fall, the drama continued on the second morning as both teams battled for control at a packed Perth Stadium.
Australia, who resumed their first innings at a precarious 123/9, were unable to offer much further resistance and were dismissed for 132. Brydon Carse claimed the final wicket of Nathan Lyon to hand England a crucial, if modest, lead. The Australian collapse was orchestrated on day one by a stunning spell from England captain Ben Stokes, who ripped through the middle order to finish with figures of 5/23.
However, England’s advantage was immediately challenged by the brilliance of Mitchell Starc. Having taken a career-best 7/58 in England’s first innings, the veteran left-armer struck with the fifth ball of the second, dismissing opener Zak Crawley for a duck with a sensational diving return catch.
Despite the early blow, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope began to mount a counter-attack for England, navigating the early threat from the Australian pacemen to build a steady partnership. Duckett, in particular, adopted an aggressive approach, helping to push England’s overall lead past 75 in the first hour of play and wrestle back some momentum for the tourists.
