Stokes is 'shellshocked' after Head leaves England spinning

ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes admitted he was left “shellshocked” after Australia crushed his side in two days at Perth, the fastest Ashes defeat in more than a hundred years.

- By Rory Dollard

Ben Stokes (right) stands by attacking cricket despite defeat in the first Ashes test, thanks to a century by Travis Head, pictured behind him

It was a painful dose of deja-vu for the tourists, who were swept aside for 164 on Saturday having been bundled out for 172 in the first innings. All in all they lost 20 wicket in 67.5 overs, a recipe for disaster at the highest level.

An inspired bowling display, including a quickfire five-for from Stokes, meant Australia fared even worse as they were bowled out for 132.

But a whirlwind century from Travis Head settled matters emphatically in the home side's favour.

Set 205 to win on a pitch that had been chewing batters up and spitting them back out, Head smashed a 69-ball ton and finished with 123 in just 83 deliveries.

England's five-pronged pace attack went from breathing fire to running on fumes as the volunteer opener, who stepped up to replace the injured Usman Khawaja, clattered four sixes and 16 fours.