Carse hails Stokes’ inspirational call as England battle back

BRYDON Carse revelled in England captain Ben Stokes unleashing “beast mode” on Australia as England's bowlers produced a stunning fightback on day one of the first Ashes Test.

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On a pitch branded a “green monster” by the local newspaper in Perth, Stokes opted to bat first and saw his side bowled out for 172 in less than 33 overs.

With Mitchell Starc snapping up career-best figures of 7-58, it looked like being another anxiety-inducing chapter in England's dire run of form Down Under.

But their five-strong pace attack flipped the script with a brilliant display of speed and hostility, reducing their hosts to 123-9 to hold a 49-run lead at the close. It was dizzying, unmissable theatre and in its closing moments, Stokes thrust himself into centre stage.