Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson launched a fierce Bazball-style counterattack, taking on the Australian pacers with aggressive strokeplay to lift England out of trouble. | Cricket

Welcome to news.com.au’s live coverage of day two of the opening Ashes Test from Perth Stadium after a chaotic opening day unfolded at the crease.

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.

What a day. There is nothing like Ashes cricket. Test cricket is great, but no other series feels like this. It felt like a huge event, with so many travelling England fans and amazing home support too.

A record 19 wickets fell in 72 overs, as pace bowlers dominated on a sunny day in front of more than 51,000 spectators at Perth Stadium. The first Australia vs England Test is almost half over with fo

Australia vs England LIVE Updates, 1st Test Day 2, Ashes 2025-26: England are nine down against Australia in the second innings of the 1st Ashes Test in Perth

PERTH, Australia (AP) — In a chaotic opening day of the Ashes, Ben Stokes won the toss and watched his team skittled for 172 before taking a five-wicket haul to give England a first-innings advantage Friday in the first cricket test.