Ashes Highlights AUS vs ENG 1st Test, Day 1: Ben Stokes takes 5 wickets to rock Australia in Perth

How do England recover from this demoralizing defeat? While they will face deserved criticism for being too one-dimensional with the bat, suggesting the lack of preparation is the answer misses the point. The brutal truth is that Australia, through players like Travis Head, who picked his moments perfectly, executed 'Bazball' better than the inventors themselves. And with Australia's bowling heavyweights set to return ahead in the series, the pressure will be rightly on the visitors. Okay then, Australia go 1-0 up in The Ashes 2025/26 and now, both teams will head to Brisbane for the second Test. It will be a Pink Ball Test, and historically, Australia have won 12 out of the 13 Day-Night Tests played on home soil. The one that they lost was against West Indies, at the Gabba. It will be interesting to see how England will bounce back in that game. It will be played on Thursday, 4th December, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 4 am GMT. Until then, you can switch tabs and enjoy the live coverage of the second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati. But from this matchcenter, we sign off, only to meet again. Stay safe. Cheers!

The victorious captain of Australia, Steve Smith, begins by stating that it was an incredible day and provided a good start for Australia in The Ashes. He praises Travis Head’s innings as out of the world. He reveals a key tactical decision made during the Tea break. Shares that Head said that he wanted to open and the team allowed him to do. Smith also shares that the pitch was almost at its best for bowling, and Head played very smartly, finding the gaps and toying with the bowling attack. He adds that Marnus Labuschagne also batted really well. Shifting to the bowling, Smith calls Starc's seven-wicket haul in the first innings unbelievable. He compliments the entire attack, specifically mentioning Scott Boland's brilliant bowling performance in the second innings, also noting that Brendan Doggett got Brook out in the first innings when he was playing nicely. On Starc's contribution, Smith mentions that he was simply unbelievable. Adds that with two of the Big 3 out, he massively stepped up as the senior pro. Smith concludes by saying that the team has a couple of weeks to assess the next steps for the Pink Ball Test.

England captain Ben Stokes walks to chat and reflects on the defeat. Stokes says that he is a bit shell-shocked but praises Head and calls his hundred as a phenomenal one. Adds that guys who tried to take on the bowlers got success on this wicket. Says that Head got the wind out of them, and they tried three or four different plans, but nothing worked. Mentions that the way they bowled yesterday was exceptional, a lot happened on Day 1, and it was good for the bowlers. Says that it is a tough loss as they thought they were in control. Ends by saying that they have a good break before Brisbane and will look to come back stronger.

Australia's Mitchell Starc is adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his 10-fer in the match. He took a 7-wicket haul in the first innings, and backed it up by taking 3 wickets in the second innings. He cannot hide his smile and appreciates the way Travis Head took the game away from England and came up trumps. Says this was a helter-skelter in the two days. Expresses his joy as he appreciates Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett. Shares that he was pretty calm the whole week coming into this game and that this was the first time he didn't have Cummins and Hazlewood to partner him. But appreciates the way Boland has been for the side as well. He says that he was the old head in the group but didn't change his role at all and that it's been the same for nearly 15 years. 

... THE PRESENTATION ...

Needing 205 runs at a venue where chases historically died, Australia found an unlikely blessing in disguise. An injured Khawaja meant Travis Head opened the innings. Head just tore the heart out of the English attack mercilessly. While Jake Weatherald's bright start was cut short by Carse, Head simply didn't flinch, taking the sting clean out of the bowling. His breezy fifty kicked off an absolute carnage that left the Bazballers shellshocked. Head walked past records and straight into history, delivering a knock so dominant it felt less like a live match and more like watching a highlight reel on repeat. He was ably supported by Marnus Labuschagne, who himself was in desperate need of runs and capped it off with a stylish fifty of his own.

As quiet as the first session was, the afternoon was equally feverish. With Pope and Duckett settled nicely, England were on course for a big lead. But then came the big three drives off similar lengths. Pope, Root, and Brook - all gone within the blink of an eye, playing loose shots. Boland was the instigator of that collapse, with Starc chipping in as well. England lost 5 for 23, slipping from 65/1 to 88/6.  After the controversial and highly debated dismissal of Jamie Smith sparked uproar, England's lower order launched a courageous counterattack. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse showed remarkable defiance, forging a breezy, game-changing 50-plus partnership that wrestled the momentum back and rescued England from the brink. But the resistance ended as Boland and Doggett wrapped up the tail.  

Coming into the second day, the morning skirmish saw Australia's tailenders, Doggett and Lyon, hang tough for 30 minutes before finally conceding a 40-run lead to England. The pitch was immediately alive under cloudy skies, with the ball swinging just enough for Mitchell Starc to do what he does best. He produced a brilliant return catch to take out Zak Crawley in his first over, extending his run as the Test match executioner. Yet, beyond that initial jolt, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope dug in with newfound discipline, weathering the swing to nudge the lead to a commanding 99 runs by Lunch.

A two-dayer is what it was. The first day was a pretty hectic one for the batters, because the bowlers were dictating terms and conditions. No doubt there was enough pace and bounce in the wicket, like a typical Perth track. But the recurring theme was questionable shot selections from both camps. England was bundled up from 160/5 to 172 all out, all thanks to Mitchell Starc's sensational spell of 7/58 - his best figures in Test cricket. Brendan Doggett had a memorable debut with a couple of wickets as well. The only bright sparks for England were Harry Brook's fifty and Ollie Pope's 46, but none of the others really extended their starts. When Australia came to bat, a similar theme followed. The top order was blown away by Archer and Carse's searing pace, but the real dent was caused by Ben Stokes' five-for, which reduced Australia to 123/9 at the end of the first day's play. Only three Aussie batters got to their 20s and gave it away.  

And here's the man of the moment, Travis Head, who is up for a chat with Isa Guha. Head says that it is seriously unbelievable. Adds that he hasn't processed yet what he has done out there. Mentions that it has been a hard two days, and calls England a serious outfit. Tells that Starc led them yesterday and they couldn't let his work go to waste. Says that it was the call of the coach and captain to send him to open and he was very keen to do it as well. Further adds that he could have easily got out in the first over, but it was the right process. Says that he has got out on 90s on a couple of occasions here and it was nice to get the hundred as this is a great place to bat. Mentions that he is not great at taking applause and tries to get out of the ground as quickly as possible but it was nice to see the crowd's appreciation. Ends by saying that it is a great start, they will celebrate but is also looking forward to Brisbane.

Dominance would be an understatement to describe this memorable chase from Australia, graced with Travis Head's historical centurion knock. One for the ages, truly. This is not just a win, it's a statement from the hosts as they have snatched it out of the hands of England. With the way the batters struggled on the opening day, it seemed like 205 is not that bad a target. But all the analysis and predictions of the cricketing pundits and experts were put to bed, once the bloke named Travis Head came out to open for Australia. This is the FIRST-EVER time that a target has been successfully chased at the Optus Stadium of Perth. 2 days is what it all took to get the result out of this first Ashes Test of this summer. Insane stuff.

28.2: Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Steve Smith hits the winning runs! Brydon Carse lands this back of a length and around off, Smith stays back and punches it through covers for a single. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 8 WICKETS AND GO 1-0 UP!

28.1: Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, A bouncer but around leg, Steve Smith ducks under it.

27.6: Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, SIX! FIFTY FOR MARNUS! A fine knock from him and this should give him a lot of confidence going ahead in the series. Looped up, full and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne skips down the track again and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie. SCORES LEVEL.

27.5: Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to short mid-wicket.

27.4: Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Flighted, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne puts on the dancing shoes, gets to the pitch of it and lofts it away wide of Jofra Archer at mid off for a boundary. Australia just 7 runs away from the win now.

27.3: Joe Root to Steve Smith, Tossed up, full and on middle, Steve Smith drills it to mid on for a run.

27.2: Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne clips it towards square leg for a single.

27.1: Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated, short and around off, Marnus Labuschagne tries to cut it away but chops it down to the off side.

The white flag falls from Stokes, it seems. Joe Root is brought into the attack now.

26.6: Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, A bouncer, outside off, Steve Smith lets it go.

The Aussie skipper, Steve Smith, makes his way to the crease at number 4.

26.5: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, OUT! IN THE AIR....TAKEN! The Travis Head show is over and he proves that he is a human after all. But he has put the Aussies on the brink of a historic victory. Brydon Carse serves this full, on middle and angling in. Head clears his front leg to slog across the line, but gets a bit of a top edge. The ball goes miles in the air towards deep square leg, where Ollie Pope runs a long way forward, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a good catch with a dive. Head gets a hug from Marnus Labuschagne on his way back, and walks off to a massive round of applause from the Perth crowd. He departs after playing one of the most memorable knocks in the history of this rivalry, by smashing 123 off 83, and Australia need just 13 runs to win now.

Right now, Travis Head has the bowlers completely mapped out. Short means pull, pitched means drive. But the way he has picked his gaps, he's reading the English bowling like an open book, and there is absolutely no way to stop him. And we might not even need the extra time as this is heading to a finish well within the allotted time.

26.4: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, FOUR! That sounded good! Brydon Carse bangs this into the pitch, on off. Travis Head drags his pull from outside off and thrashes it to the wide long on fence for a one-bounce four.

26.3: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Back of a length and on middle, Travis Head backs away and punches it through coers for a couple of runs.

26.2: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, FOUR! There is no stopping Travis Head here! Brydon Carse hits the length hard and on middle and leg. Head picks it up off his hips and whacks it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. Australia need just 19 runs to win now.

26.1: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Short of a length and around middle, Travis Head pulls it to mid-wicket.

25.6: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! 20 runs off the over! Gus Atkinson bangs this into the pitch and angles it into the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne once again moves to the leg side and swats it away down the ground to the long on fence for four more runs. 

25.5: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Pitched up and on leg, Travis Head flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for one.

25.5: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, WIDE! Another very high bouncer, on middle and leg, Travis Head lets it go. Called a wide.

25.4: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR MORE! Short of a length and around off, Travis Head cuts it aerially and as soon as he hits it he shouts 'Oh... no, get over'. Brydon Carse is standing at a catching backward point and the ball just evades his outstretched hand to trickle away to the fence. This also brings up the 100-run partnership between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.

25.3: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Powered away! Hits the length hard and outside leg. Travis Head backs away early, hits through the line and thumps it past the bowler and to the long on fence for a boundary.

25.3: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, WIDE! A bouncer, on middle, but too high, Travis Head leaves it alone. Wided. Australia need just 37 runs to win now.

25.2: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around middle, Marnus Labuschagne steps across and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

25.1: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Gets it away! Short of a length and angling into the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne moves to the leg side to make room. Atkinson follows the batter but Marnus is one step ahead and swats it away with a flat bat to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Okay, folks. Get ready to be bombarded with a streak of records that Travis Head has walked past with that breezy century. Head is not only the joint-third fastest centurion for Australia in Tests, placed along with David Warner, but he is also the second-fastest centurion in the history of The Ashes, just behind Adam Gilchrist, who scored it in just 57 balls, over the river at the WACA in the 2006-07 summer.

24.6: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne sways away and upper cuts it. Does not time it that well and that saves him as the ball drops in front of the deep third man fielder. They cross.

24.5: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Another bouncer, on middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne ducks underneath it.

24.4: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Bangs in a bouncer now at 139.7 kph, on midle, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it.

24.3: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Jofra Archer follows the batter and bangs this into the pitch, down the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne backs away but lets it go to the keeper.

24.2: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Slower delivery, on a length and on off, Travis Head steps across and guides it to third man for a single.

24.1: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Pitched up and on middle, Travis Head tucks it to mid-wicket.

Interesting. Nathan Lyon is padded up in the Australian dressing room and if a wicket falls sooner, he might come in as the nightwatchman.

23.6: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Fuller one and on middle, Travis Head steps across and flicks it right from the stumps to deep square leg for one. Australia need 45 runs to win now.

23.5: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Takes pace off again, hard length and around off, Travis Head shapes to heave it away but then tries to cut it. In the end, does neither and misses it.

23.4: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Slower bumper now, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne waits for it and pulls it to deep square leg for another run.

23.3: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, In the air..SAFE! It has been that kind of day for England with the ball. A bouncer, on middle, Travis Head tries to pull but gets a top edge. It goes in the air but lands safely in front of Joe Root, who runs in from deep mid-wicket. They cross.

23.2: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne backs away and flat-bats it towards extra cover for a single.

23.1: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pulls it in the gap between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. The deep mid-wicket fielder dives to his right but fails to stop it, but Ben Duckett from deep square leg runs to his left and slides to keep it down to two runs.

22.6: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pulls it to mid-wicket and calls Travis Head for one. The fielder hits the stumps at the batter's end, but Head has dragged his bat inside the crease in time. 

22.5: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Back of a length and around leg, Travis Head nudges it towards fine leg for a run.

22.4: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched up and on off, Marnus Labuschagne moves back in his crease and clips it through square leg for a run.

22.3: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Another bouncer, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it again.

22.2: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Marnus Labuschagne joins the party! Short of a length and around middle. Marnus backs away to give himself room and plays a forehand smash like a tennis player. He connects well and hits it to the long off fence for a boundary. 150 UP FOR AUSTRALIA. They need 54 runs to win now.

22.1: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, A bouncer now, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it.

21.6: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Pitched up and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne works it wide of mid on for a run.

21.5: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne clips it to mid-wicket.

21.4: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.

21.3: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, HUNDRED FOR HEAD! One of the best Ashes tons ever. This has been an incredible knock from him. His 10th in Test cricket and it has come in just 69 balls. This is short again and on middle, Travis Head backs away to cut it but gets a top edge. The ball loops up but falls safely in front of short third. They cross as the backward point fielder collects it to his front-right. Head punches the air in delight and swings his bat like a sword. The crowd is on its feet, and this is also the joint 3rd fastest hundred for an Aussie in Tests. Adam Gilchrist still holds the fastest Test hundred by any Australian (57 balls vs England in 2006, at WACA), followed by Jack Gregory (67 balls vs South Africa in 1921, at Johannesburg). Travis Head now joins the list, equalling David Warner in 69 balls.

21.2: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Head on 99 now! Gus Atkinson lands this back of a length and around middle. Travis Head makes room again, stays leg side of the ball and smacks it over extra cover for a boundary. The crowd is absolutely loving it.

21.2: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, WIDE! Tries the bouncer, on middle, but this one is way too high for the batter. Travis Head lets it go. Called a wide.

21.1: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Short of a length and on leg, tries to target the body of the batter. Travis Head makes room and cuts it away to deep point for a brace. He moves to 95 now.

20.6: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Hard length and around off, Marnus Labuschagne opens the face of his bat and steers it to backward point.

20.5: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Full again and on middle and leg, Travis Head clips it through mid-wicket for one.

20.4: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Swing and a miss! Nervous 90s... umm... not for Travis Head. Much fuller this time, on leg, Travis Head clears his front leg away and has a wild swing across the line but only connects with thin air.

20.3: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Goes short again, on middle, Travis Head rides the bounce well and keeps it out on the pitch.

20.2: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne rolls his wrists and pulls it along the ground towards deep square leg for a single. Australia need 68 runs to win now!

20.1: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and on the sixth stump line, Marnus Labuschagne lifts his bat and lets it to go to the keeper.

19.6: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Pitched up and on off, Travis Head drives it firmly but straight to extra cover.

19.5: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, A bouncer now around leg, Travis Head backs away again but has to duck under it.

19.4: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR MORE! Head moves into the 90s now. Back of a length but down the leg side, there to be put away. Travis Head gets inside the line of it and helps it on its way to the fine leg fence for another boundary.

19.3: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! This is just extraordinary batting! Short of a length and on middle, Travis Head moves to the leg side to create some room. He knows there is no protection in the deep on the off side and slashes it over backward point for a boundary.

19.2: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Good length and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne works it through square leg for a single.

19.1: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne clips it to square leg.

18.6: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, SIX! Wow, that is a shot and a half! The Barmy Army has gone very silent here now, and the Aussies are making all the noise. Jofra Archer bangs in a short ball and on off. Travis Head backs away to create some room. He extends his arms to reach out for it, but keeps his weight on the front foot and slaps it away over the long on fence for a biggie. Not many can do that to Archer.

Head is batting like there is no tomorrow. He has punched right through the heart of his English bowling attack and is in no mood to stop. This is not going into the third day if this bloke keeps batting like this. He has ruthlessly disrupted the bowlers' lines and lengths from ball one. And England have kept making mistakes of feeding deliveries in his strong areas, straying it all over the place.

18.5: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, FOUR! Travis Head is dealing in boundaries now! Short of a length and on middle, Head manages to get on top of the bounce and swats it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for four runs.

18.4: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, A good bouncer now, on middle, angles in sharply. Travis Head sways away and tries the same shot that Marnus Labuschagne played a few balls ago. However, he gets a bit cramped up and fails to connect.

18.3: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and on middle, takes off a bit and angles in. Marnus Labuschagne tries to clip it away but cops a blow on his gloves as it rolls towards square leg. They cross.

18.2: Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Cheeky from Marnus! Jofra Archer lands this short of a length and on off. nips back in a bit. Marnus Labuschagne bends back to sway away and lets the ball come to him. He opens the face of his bat and upper cuts it over the slip cordon for a boundary.

18.1: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, On a length and on middle, Travis Head gets his front leg up in the air and clips it to deep square leg for a single.

Jofra Archer (4-0-18-0) returns, replacing Ben Stokes. Probably the final throw on the dice from Stokes?

17.6: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and just around off, Marnus Labuschagne decides late to leave it. He hangs his bat away from his body as the ball goes off the toe-end and rolls towards second slip.

17.5: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Good length and on off, Travis Head runs it down to third man for a single. Nelson on the board now.

17.4: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Excellent shot! Gus Atkinson serves this very full and on off, Travis Head is not going to miss out on those. He leans on a bit and smashes it through covers for a boundary. Looks like Head does not want to take this to Day 3. And with that, Head gets past 1000 RUNS IN THE ASHES!

17.3: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Hits the length hard and on off, Travis Head stabs it out towards extra cover.

17.2: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Back of a length and on middle, Travis Head stays back and punches it toward mid off.

17.1: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Swing and a miss! Short of a length and just outside off, Travis Head slashes hard at it but gets beaten due to the extra bounce.

16.6: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Hard length and around off, Travis Head punches it to sweeper cover for a single. 17 runs off the over!

16.5: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Fourth boundary of the over! Ben Stokes bangs this into the pitch, on middle. Travis Head picks up the length early, swivels and pulls it with disdain in front of square on the leg side of four runs. Australia need exactly 100 runs to win now.

16.4: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Good length and on off, Travis Head stays back and keeps it out to the off side.

16.3: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Make that three in a row! Overpitched delivery, on off, Travis Head gets underneath the ball nicely and drills it to the left of mid off towards the long off fence for four more runs. 100 UP FOR AUSTRALIA! Head on a roll here.

16.2: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! TWO IN TWO! Ben Stokes lands this back of a length and on off, sits up nicley for the batter. Travis Head pivots a bit, gets on top of the bounce and heaves it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

16.1: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, FOUR! Put away! Fuller in length and outside off, Travis Head extends his arms to reach out for it and crunches it through covers for a boundary. It will be hard to stop Head here. Australia need 112 runs to win now.

15.6: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Much fuller and on middle, angling in a bit, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to short mid-wicket.

15.5: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Hits the length hard and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pats it in front of point and calls for the run, but Head sends him back.

15.4: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Lands this on a good length and on the sixth stump line, Marnus Labuschagne watches it through and leaves it alone.

15.3: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Short of a length and on off, Travis Head opens the face of his bat and steers it past point for a run.

15.2: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Back of a length and around off, Travis Head stays back and punches it out towards short cover.

15.1: Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Risky single! Fuller and on off, Marnus Labuschagne pushes it towards extra cover and sets off for a single. Ben Stokes from mid off runs towards the ball, picks it up and has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. A direct hit would have made things interesting here.

DRINKS! Australia are well ahead in the game at this moment. Travis Head has been superb, already notching up a half-century. The debutant, Jake Weatherald, also gave good support but unfortunately lost his wicket, and that is the only one that England has been able to pick up. The Aussies need 118 runs to win, and they will want to knock as many as they can before the end of the day's play here.

14.6: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Almost a yorker, outside off. Head carves it out and plays it across to mid on.

14.5: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Big flash and a miss! With a packed off side field, Stokes bowls a fuller one, just outside off. Travis Head shapes to slash it through point, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

14.4: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Skids through the deck, on a good length, on off. Travis Head is rushed on the back foot and punches it back to Stokes off the toe end.

14.3: Ben Stokes to Travis Head, Fuller one, at 135.6 kph, on off, Travis Head drives it off the front foot to extra cover.

14.2: Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, outside off, Marnus Labuschagne cuts it along the ground to deep backward point. But there is protection in the deep. Just a single.

14.1: Ben Stokes to Marnus Labuschagne, Hurls it full, at 131.1 kph, around the off pole. Marnus Labuschagne closely watches it and leaves.

Ben Stokes brings himself into the attack now. He came onto bowl at a similar time on Day 1, and picked up a fifer. England are desperate for wickets here. Can Stokes do it again for his team? 

13.6: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Full, on off, driven off the front foot to mid off.

13.5: Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, around off and middle. Marnus Labuschagne transfers his weight onto the back foot and pulls it between mid-wicket and mid on. Gus Atkinson sprints after it and stops it just before the ropes. Three taken.

13.4: Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Nice and full, around off, blocked off the front foot to mid off.

13.3: Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Marnus Labuschagne proves that conventional cricket can be beautiful as well. Loosener from Carse, a genuine half volley on middle and leg. Marnus Labuschagne gets on top of it and flicks it to the right of mid-wicket for a boundary. No point in chasing that. 

13.2: Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Overpitched delivery on off, Marnus Labuschagne carves it out to mid off.

13.1: Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, Slammed hard into the pitch, on off. Marnus Labuschagne weighs back and punches it back to the bowler.

12.6: Mark Wood to Travis Head, A yard behind fuller length, on middle, Travis Head punches it off the back foot to mid on.

12.5: Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Touch full, on middle, this is flicked from the crease by Marnus Labuschagne. They get a single as the ball rolls wide of mid-wicket.

12.4: Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length, outside off, cutting back in a touch. Marnus offers no shot.

12.3: Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, Short of a good length, on middle. Marnus Labuschagne weighs back and pulls it to deep square leg. He is keen to get the third run, but is denied by Head on a sharp call as the ball is cut off the deep by the fielder.

12.2: Mark Wood to Marnus Labuschagne, On a length, around off, nudged off the back foot to point.

12.1: Mark Wood to Travis Head, FIFTY FOR TRAVIS HEAD. His 21st in Test cricket, and 6th against England. His second-fastest half century in Tests. It is well received by the Aussie supporters at the Optus. No surprise that he is one of the best counter-punchers in the world. Just a gentle raise of the bat and a fist-bump with his partner, as he knows the job is far from being done. But he has provided a very strong foundation for his side. Full and angling into the batter, Travis Head flicks using his wrists to deep backward square leg for a single to get to his milestone.

11.6: Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, 'WAIT ON', says Marnus Labuschagne! On a good length, shaping away from middle. Marnus Labuschagne drags the bat out in front and defends it back to the bowler. Brydon Carse collects it on the followthrough, to his right and threatens to throw it back to the batter. 

11.5: Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, A real snorter! Angles in and then leaves the right-hander, with the seam positioned towards the first slip, on a fractionally fuller length. Marnus Labuschagne is taken by surprise as he gets beaten on his defences.

11.4: Brydon Carse to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit fullish, on off, Marnus Labuschagne uses his wrists to steer off the crease to backward point.

Marnus Labuschagne walks out to bat at number 3.

11.3: Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, OUT! TOP EDGE AND TAKEN! Finally, a wicket for England through Brydon Carse. A lethal bumper from around-the-wicket angle, climbing onto the batter. Jake Weatherald shapes up for a pull shot, but the ball gets big on him and gets a thick top edge. The ball then rebounds off his helmet and lobs high in the air towards the extra cover region. Ben Duckett stationed inside the ring, nicely settles himself up to take the catch. Jake Weatherald departs on 23 (34) and Australia are 75/1. They need 130 more runs to win, with 9 wickets in hand.

11.2: Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, Around off, on a length, angling in. Jake Weatherald nudges it off the back foot to short mid-wicket.

11.1: Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, FOUR! Jake Weatherald gets into the 20s and has got his rhythm now! Excellent weight distribution from the debutant as he leans back on this short delivery and drags the ball from outside off. Heaves it to the right of the diving mid-wicket fielder for a boundary.

The runs are coming thick and fast for the Aussies now. Travis Head, coming out to open due to a slight injury to Usman Khawaja, has worked massively in favour of the hosts, and he is taking the game away from England here.

10.6: Mark Wood to Travis Head, FOUR! All class this time around! A bit too wide on off, short in length. Travis Head lets the ball arrive, rises with the bounce and steers it through the gully and point gap for a boundary. Another very productive over for the Aussies as 13 runs come off it. Australia need 134 runs to win, with all 10 wickets intact.

10.5: Mark Wood to Travis Head, SIX! England under the pump with that audacious shot from Head! Wrong line from Wood as this is on the leg stump, and short. Travis Head keeps it simple. Lifts the front leg up to balance himself and uses the pace to whip it nonchalantly over deep fine leg for a six.

10.4: Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, Laser-straight onto the leg stump, on a good length. Jake Weatherald uses his wrists to flick it, but misses and the ball rolls off the thigh pad towards deep fine leg for a leg bye.

10.3: Mark Wood to Travis Head, Wood slams it hard into the pitch, on the leg stump. Travis gets inside the line to pull it away, but the ball nips in a bit and he misses. It deflects off his gloves and runs behind to deep fine leg for a single.

10.2: Mark Wood to Travis Head, Short and going down leg. Head lets it be.

10.1: Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, Short and on the bodyline, Jake Weatherald weighs back and mistimes the pull shot off the bottom edge. The ball rolls to backward square leg for a single.

9.6: Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, On a good length, on middle, this is whipped off the pads by Jake to the long leg region for a single. 11 from this over, and 19 from the last 2 overs for Australia. They are really rushing and drifting this game away from the Poms.

9.6: Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, WIDE! For height! Way too short for anybody's liking, and it springs over the batter's head. Weatherald lets it fly behind to the keeper. Wide called.

9.5: Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, Full and a bit too straight, down leg. Jake Weatherald's head falls over while attempting a flick shot and he misses to connect.

Ollie Pope has been placed at short square leg.

9.4: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, On a good length, angling into the batter, Travis Head tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

9.3: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, SIX! Oh my word! Just for a moment, Travis Head had his heart in his mouth. A bit too full, outside off. Travis Head crouches low and slaps it aerially, behind square on the off side. It keeps sailing in the air and Ben Duckett lurks around in the deep, but all he can do is watch the ball getting parked into the crowd for half a dozen. 50 UP FOR AUSTRALIA IN JUST 9.3 OVERS!

9.2: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, On a length, outside off, Travis Head punches it off the back foot to cover-point.

9.1: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Short in length, on top of middle. Travis Head lifts with the bounce and whips it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

8.6: Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, On a good length, on the leg stump. Jake Weatherald whips off his pads to the widish square leg region.

8.5: Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, FOUR! Deft touch! Short of a good length, outside off. Jake Weatherald waits back and opens the bat face at the point of contact. Manages to pierce the gap between gully and backward point for a boundary.

8.4: Mark Wood to Travis Head, Now, this is what we call proactive running! On a length, rising up after landing, on off. Travis Head jumps in the air and uses his wrists to punch it through the cover space. By the time Ben Stokes chases it to the deep and gets rid of the ball, they hustle back for the third run.

8.3: Mark Wood to Travis Head, Short, on off, Head taps it to cover-point with soft hands.

8.2: Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, On a good length, and it skids low from the deck, just outside off. Jake Weatherald leaves it for the keeper to collect. But, Jamie Smith misreads the lack of bounce and seemingly gets a bad bounce in front of him. The ball evades through between his legs. It is cut off by Brydon Carse who moves to his right from deep third. A bye taken.

8.1: Mark Wood to Jake Weatherald, Spears in at 141.3 kph, on a good length, around middle and leg. Jake Weatherald plays off the back foot and nudges it in thereabouts of square leg.

England need a spark from someone, and Ben Stokes has turned to Mark Wood.

7.6: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Bangs it short and on off, Travis Head gets on his toes and blocks it watchfully.

7.5: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, On a length, punched to mid off by Head.

7.4: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, FOUR! Wow, that is some shot! Around the off stump, on a good length. Travis Head stays back, allows himself to get some room and cuts it over cover-point for a boundary. Australia are really up and running in the run chase as Head looks in an ODI mode. They need 166 runs to win.

7.3: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Hard length, on middle and leg. Travis Head hops off and bunts it down the strip.

7.2: Brydon Carse to Travis Head, SIX! Clever batting, this! Carse slams the deck hard, on top of off. Travis Head arches back, uses the pace of the bowler and uppercuts it fine. The ball sails all the way beyond the ropes at deep third for a six. That is a shot of a confident batter.

7.1: Brydon Carse to Jake Weatherald, Brydon Carse is into the attack now. On a back of a length, on off, angling in. Jake Weatherald tucks it wide of square leg and pinches in another single.

6.6: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Good, proactive running by the Aussie openers! Full and around off, Jake Weatherald takes a good stride forward and drives into the space between cover and mid off for a single.

6.5: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, This one decks back into the batter and zips through the deck. Full and outside off. Jake Weatherald watches it closely before lifting his bat in the air to leave.

6.4: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Attacks the off pole, on a fuller length, Jake Weatherald blocks it from the crease to the off side.

6.3: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Overpitched delivery, full and on off, Travis Head gets on top of the ball and crisply drives it through the extra cover and mid off gap. Gus Atkinson chases it all the way to the ropes from the inner ring and the batters run three.

6.2: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, On a back of a length, outside off. Travis Head gets on the back foot and steers it to the left of the point fielder for a couple of runs.

6.1: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Full and straight, on middle, worked to mid on.

5.6: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Full and angling in and around off, Jake Weatherald taps it with soft hands to point.

5.5: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Back of a length, around off, Jake Weatherald presses in front and blocks it to widish cover.

5.4: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Shoots up from the deck, outside off, on a length. Left alone by Jake Weatherald.

5.3: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Very full and on off, Travis Head gets forward and drives it to the left of mid off and collects three more runs.

5.2: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Fine shot! Short of length and on off, Jake Weatherald steps across, swivels and pulls it away nicely through backward square leg. Ollie Pope chases after and slides well to save one for his team. Three taken.

5.1: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Fuller in length and on the fifth stump line, Jake Weatherald leaves it alone.

4.6: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Short and on middle, Jake Weatherald weighs back and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

4.5: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, A good review from Jake Weatherald and that forces the umpire to reverse the on-field decision. A good-length delivery, it is that nip-backer that shoots back into the batter. Jake Weatherald gets on the front foot to block, but plays the initial line and is beaten all ends up. A huge appeal for caught behind and Nitin Menon instantly raises his finger up. And immediately, Jake Weatherald reviews it. There were definitely two sounds, but was that off the thigh pad and not the bat's inside edge? Thought so. Snicko does not detect anything when the ball is next to the inside edge, but a spike does appear when the ball grazes the back thigh. And just to be doubly sure, the third umpire calls for Ball Tracking to check for a potential LBW, but Jake Weatherald is lucky enough as the impact is well outside the off stump. Not Out and the debutant survives.

Is that out? Jake Weatherald has been given out on-field for a caught behind appeal. However, he has taken the review right away. Snicko and replay show that the ball has gone off his pads and not the bat. Good review!

4.4: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, EDGED, FOUR! Streaky, but that will help Jake Weatherald and Australia. Archer goes full and around off. It just nips enough to take the outside edge as Jake Weatherald prods forward to push at it. The ball shoots between gully and second slip before hugging the deep third fence.

4.3: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, On a length, nudged through mid-wicket for a single.

4.2: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, And he is up and running. First runs for Jake Weatherald in Test cricket, which is received by a huge cheer from the Aussie faithful. On a length, tailing in a bit, Jake Weatherald flicks it through square leg, all along the ground and they hustle back for the third run. 

4.1: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, In-between length, just outside off. Jake Weatherald shoulders arms.

3.6: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Easy pickings for someone like Head! Full and swinging back in wildly on middle. Travis Head flicks off his pads and trickles away to the fence.

3.5: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Full in length, at 133.1 kph, outside off, Travis Head strides across and eases it to cover-point.

3.4: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, On a hard length, at 136.8 kph, just outside off. Travis Head plays from the crease and taps it to backward point.

3.3: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, On top of off, on a slightly fuller length. Travis Head lets the ball arrive at him and blocks it down the pitch with soft hands.

3.2: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Nips in from middle, on a length. Travis Head shapes to nudge through square leg, but misses and the ball slams his front thigh pad.

3.1: Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Back of a length from around the stumps, on off. Travis Head climbs over it and cuts it powerfully to pierce the point gap. But Brydon Carse shows good agility as his dives to his right to cut that off. 

2.6: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Nagging length, scuttling through the deck, outside off. Jake Weatherald leaves off the back foot.

2.5: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Full and outside off, Jake Weatherald offers no shot at it.

2.4: Jofra Archer to Jake Weatherald, Big swing, but no run. Skids through the deck, on a good length, on middle and off. Jake Weatherald is rushed into the pull shot and takes a stinging blow around his midriff as the ball rebouds towards the gully fielder.

2.3: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Short of a good length, outside off with extra bounce. Head rides on the lift of the ball and guides it to deep backward point for a single.

2.2: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Pitched short and around off, Travis Head opens the bat face at the point of contact and steers it to point.

2.1: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Slams the deck hard, on middle, Head hops off and bunts it down the pitch.

1.6: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Outside off, on a length, left alone by Weatherald.

1.5: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Bangs it well short, and outside off. Jake lines up for a square cut by leaning back, but the extra bounce does him in and beats him.

1.4: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Touch fuller and on middle, straightens a bit. Jake Weatherald opens the face of his bat and steers it towards point.

1.3: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Short of a length and on off, Jake Weatherald steps across and dabs it towards point.

1.2: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Back of a length and around off again, Jake Weatherald once again offers no shot a it.

1.1: Gus Atkinson to Jake Weatherald, Gus Atkinson begins with a good-length delivery, outside off, holds its line, Jake Weatherald watches it through and leaves it alone.

Gus Atkinson to share the attack from the other end.

0.6: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Australia get underway in the chase! Fullish delivery but on the pads, Travis Head clips it away through backward square leg for a couple of runs.

0.5: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Jofra Archer bangs this one into the pitch around off, shaping it away from the batter. Travis Head lifts his hands up and lets it go to the keeper.

0.4: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Pitched up and on off, Travis Head stays deep inside his crease and keeps it out to the off side.

0.3: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Loose delivery! Back of a length but down the leg side, Travis Head makes an easy leave.

0.2: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, BEATEN! Touch fuller and on off, gets it to shape away. Travis Head stays back and pushes at it with hard hands but gets beaten on the outside edge.

0.1: Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Jofra Archer starts with a good-length delivery, on leg, Travis Head lets it go. It moves away after going behind the stumps, and Jamie Smith adjusts well to collect it.