“I Would Not Want to Face This Attack” – Michael Vaughan

Stokes Runs Riot After England Collapse

After being bowled out for just 172, few gave England a chance. But Ben Stokes had other ideas.

Taking the ball for a short, fiery spell, the England captain ripped through Australia with 5 wickets for 23 in just 6 overs – the fifth-fastest five-wicket haul by an England bowler in Test history.

Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse had already blown away the top order before Stokes turned the game on its head.

The Numbers That Tell the Story

• England’s average bowling speed: 87.6 mph – fastest on record
• Australia forced into false shots on over 40% of balls in first 25 overs (5th highest since 2006)
• Only 2 of 9 wicket-taking balls were at stump height – pure bounce and seam
• 19 wickets fell on Day 1 – classic Perth chaos!

Perth Pitch Doing Plenty – But England Made It Talk

Yes, the pitch had steep bounce and movement – but England’s five-man pace battery used it better than anyone.

Short balls thudding into gloves and helmets, yorkers sneaking under bats, edges flying – it was relentless, intimidating, and brilliant.

As Vaughan said: “You can scar a team very early in a series.” Mission accomplished.

What Happens Next?

Australia still trail by 49 runs with just one wicket in hand. If England can wrap up the tail quickly on Day 2 and set 250–300 to defend, this Test could be theirs.

Perth pitches often flatten out later – but after today, Australia’s batters will be seeing blue shirts in their nightmares.