Not since Old Trafford in 1909, when 20 batters were sent packing, have more wickets fallen on the first day of an Ashes Test. There were 19 here, a fast-bowling festival, and those England supporters back home who woke up midway through could have been forgiven for feeling a bit played.
An initial collapse to 172 all out in just 32.5 overs by the tourists must have been like discovering a horse’s head in the bed, reason to once again bemoan the excesses of so-called Bazball. But Ben Stokes (five for 23) and his fellow quicks then delivered a far more instructive message, reducing Australia to 123 for nine by stumps and inflicting a good few bruises to go with it.
If they were not aware before, Australians now have confirmation that this is a very different England side to those who have landed here in the recent past. The fast-forward but fragile batting was a known quantity, granted. But it now comes with a pool of high-octane seamers who, if they are managed well, should test techniques and tickers in equal measure.
Just ask Steve Smit
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