Ben Stokes’s pugnacious temperament can cut both ways. At times, it is an irresistible force, as illustrated by his five late wickets to electrify England at the end of a day of wild and glorious chaos.

PERTH, Australia (AP) — In a chaotic opening day of the Ashes, Ben Stokes won the toss and watched his team skittled for 172 before taking a five-wicket haul to give England a first-innings advantage Friday in the first cricket test.

England collapse from 65-1 to 164 all out, leaving Australia needing 205 to win the first Ashes Test in Perth.

Brydon Carse said England staged a strong comeback in the Ashes opener at Perth, with Ben Stokes' leadership and five-wicket haul inspiring the bowlers, while he himself picked up two key wickets.

Australia closed on 123-9 in reply to England being dismissed for 172 in a dramatic start to the Ashes; Ben Stokes took a five-for to lead the tourists fightback; England have not won a Test in Austra

England were bowled out for 172 on day one of the Ashes, but Ben Stokes' side responded brilliantly with the ball in hand as Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse shone

Ben Stokes became the fifth English captain to take a fifer in an Ashes Test in Australia, claiming 5/23 in Perth as England bowled out Australia for 123/9, trailing by 49 runs after Starc’s seven wickets.

England were bowled out for just 172 in their opening innings of the Ashes but produced a brilliant fight back to pile the pressure on Australia.