England captain Ben Stokes cemented his place among the Ashes greats as Australia crumbled for just 132 on Day Two of the Perth Test. Stokes’ 5 for 23 is now the best bowling figures by an English captain on Australian soil, a testament to his all-round brilliance and leadership impact.
Australia’s first innings began promisingly but quickly unravelled under England’s disciplined attack. The final partnership between Nathan Lyon and Brendan Doggett added only nine runs before Stokes and his fellow bowlers restored England’s advantage. England’s first-innings total of 172 gave them a 40-run lead, putting Australia firmly on the back foot.
The combined first innings lasted just 78.1 overs—the second-shortest in Ashes history, only surpassed by the 1902 Melbourne Test. Such rapid proceedings underscore the dominance of England’s attack and the rarity of low-scoring, high-intensity Ashes matches in the modern era.
With his batting, bowling, and captaincy all influencing proceedings, Stokes has once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of cricket’s most complete players. England will now look to extend their lead in the second innings and build an unassailable position in the match.