England finished Day 1 of the opening Ashes Test firmly on top, bowling out Australia for 123/9 at stumps after being dismissed earlier for 172. Australia now trail by 49 runs with just one wicket in hand, setting up a tense Day 2.
After being reduced to 160/5, England slipped to 172 all out, with Harry Brook’s counter-attacking half-century providing the bulk of resistance. Debutant Brendan Doggett earned his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Brook after a brief hesitation cost him his innings, while Mitchell Starc spearheaded Australia’s bowling effort, took seven wickets.
In reply, Australia’s innings never settled. With Usman Khawaja unable to open due to fielding-time restrictions, Marnus Labuschagne was pushed up alongside Steve Smith. Both showed resilience under fire, taking blows and trying to blunt the new ball, but Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse struck in quick succession to remove the top order, leaving Australia reeling at 31/4.
A brief fightback from Travis Head and Cameron Green (45-run stand) steadied the innings, but Ben Stokes produced a captain’s spell in the final session, claiming a superb five-wicket haul. His breakthroughs—Head, Green, and Alex Carey among them—dismantled Australia’s hopes of parity.
At stumps, England’s dominance was clear, with Australia hanging on at 123/9. Day 2 begins on 22 November at 2:20 am GMT, with England eyeing a swift finish and Australia hoping to narrow the deficit.
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