Ben Stokes has given England a first-innings advantage in the opening Ashes test against Australia. Stokes won the toss Friday but England was skittled for 172 as Australian pace bowler Mitchell Starc took a career-best 7-58.

Australia closed on 123-9 in reply to England being dismissed for 172 in a dramatic start to the Ashes; Ben Stokes took a five-for to lead the tourists fightback; England have not won a Test in Austra

Head racked up an incredible innings of 123 as Australia roared back to crush England in the opening Ashes test

Stand-in opener Head then hit the second-fastest century in Ashes history en route to 123 and Marnus Labuschagne was unbeaten on 51 as Australia raced to their target in 28.2 overs.

Ashes 2025: England captain Ben Stokes admitted that he was a little "shellshocked" after watching Travis Head play one of the greatest innings in Ashes history in Australia's dominating eight-wicket win in the opening Test at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday.

Ben Stokes’ shoes feature a phoenix and hand gesture symbol, both honouring his late father Ged Stokes and marking their emotional significance.

Ben Stokes’s pugnacious temperament can cut both ways. At times, it is an irresistible force, as illustrated by his five late wickets to electrify England at the end of a day of wild and glorious chaos.

This gesture serves as a direct tribute to his late father, Ged Stokes, who passed away in December 2020 from brain cancer. Ged, a former New Zealand international rugby league player, was famously known for having an injured finger amputated during his career.