Stokes and his fellow England pace aces inflict early scars on Oz batters with a devastating display in the Ashes opener

MICHAEL VAUGHAN reckons England's fast bowling cartel have already opened up “scars” on Australia’s batters in a gripping opening to the Ashes series in Perth.

- BY DAVID CHARLESWORTH

England were grateful for their five-pronged pace attack after being bulldozed for 172 in their first innings.

Captain Ben Stokes led the way with 5-23 in response as Australia struggled even more badly on a spicy pitch.

Brydon Carse claimed a couple of wickets, as did Jofra Archer, who shared an electric new-ball spell with luckless Gus Atkinson.

Steve Smith weathered a couple of blows on his elbow and Mark Wood clattered Cameron Green on the helmet in a fiery display.

And 2005 Ashes-winning captain Vaughan was impressed enough to suggest Australia’s hierarchy could already be contemplating changes to their batting lineup for the second Test in Brisbane after they were

given a thorough working over in an astonishing start to the series.