Perth was pitch perfect for first Ashes face-off

ENGLAND'S batters have no excuses for their struggles in the first Ashes Test according to the International Cricket Council, who have handed the Perth pitch its highest possible rating.

- By RORY DOLLARD

Ben Stokes’ side lost all 20 wickets in just 67.3 overs at the crease in the series opener, the first two-day finish between the rivals in 104 years. Opener Zak Crawley was out for nought in each innings, adding to a painful tally of 11 single figure dismissals.

Australia were also skittled rapidly in their first attempt before a stunning fourth-innings century from Travis Head reversed the trend of ball dominating bat.

Local media had dubbed the 22-yard strip a “green monster” but the verdict is now in and it concludes that the track was not part of the problem. Match referee Ranjan Madugalle’s pitch report has confirmed the officials saw the surface at Perth Stadium as an ideal Test surface.