England can be big pace threat again at Gabba, insists Bryd

BRYDON Carse insists England's bowlers can recapture the pace and hostility that had Australia rocking on the first day of the Ashes.

- By RORY DOLLARD

Two batting collapses in the series opener, followed by a fearless fourth innings century from Travis Head, condemned the tourists to a two-day loss in Perth but it was not one-way traffic.

At the end of day one, England's quicks had set the agenda and got the home side hopping with an average speed nudging 88mph. Australia were blown away for just 132, their lowest completed Ashes total since 2013.

Pressed back into service the following evening England's quicks were unable to recreate the same menace as Head took the game by storm, with a visible dip in their collective firepower.

But they are well rested and raring to go when the day/night second Test begins at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday.