The Ashes script just flipped—again. After a record-shattering Day 1 that saw 19 wickets tumble in Perth, Day 2 brought tension, resilience, and a stunning fightback from England. As the sun set over Optus Stadium, the tourists were just one wicket away from securing a precious first-innings lead against Australia—a lead that could define the entire series .
Following Australia’s collapse to 123 all out on Day 1 in response to England’s 172, the home side began their second innings with everything to prove. But England’s bowlers, led by the relentless Ben Stokes, refused to let them settle. Now, with Australia teetering and England sniffing blood, the urn feels tantalizingly within reach.
Table of Contents
- Day 2 Recap: England’s Continued Dominance
- The Ashes Pitch: Why It Keeps Surprising
- Key Performers Driving England’s Comeback
- Australia in Crisis: What Went Wrong?
- Historical Context: Ashes Leads and Series Impact
- What to Expect on Day 3
- Conclusion: Ashes Hanging in the Balance
- Sources
Day 2 Recap: England’s Continued Dominance
Resuming their second innings at 0/0, Australia hoped to rebuild. Instead, they unraveled. England’s pace trio—Jofra Archer, Chris Woakes, and captain Ben Stokes—exploited the same seam-friendly conditions that destroyed both sides on Day 1 .
Openers were back in the hut within 10 overs. Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith, usually pillars of resistance, looked unusually tentative. At one stage, Australia slumped to 89/9, still trailing England’s first-innings total by 83 runs.
Only a gritty, unbeaten 41 from Alex Carey—batting at No. 8—prevented total humiliation. As of stumps, Australia were 119/9, still 53 runs behind England’s 172. One more wicket, and England secure the lead and a massive psychological advantage.
The Ashes Pitch: Why It Keeps Surprising
Perth’s reputation as a batting paradise has taken a beating. The Optus Stadium strip, prepared with extra grass and moisture retention, has behaved more like a classic English seamer than a typical Australian track .
Key pitch characteristics:
- Pronounced seam movement even on Day 2.
- Variable bounce catching batsmen on the crease.
- Late swing under overcast skies—unusual for Western Australia.
Former Australia captain Mark Taylor admitted on air: “This is the most un-Australian Perth pitch I’ve ever seen. It’s playing right into England’s hands.”
Key Performers Driving England’s Comeback
England’s resurgence isn’t accidental. It’s built on three pillars:
- Ben Stokes (Captain & Bowler): His 5-wicket haul on Day 1 set the tone. On Day 2, he bowled 12 overs with the old ball, extracting reverse swing and trapping Smith LBW.
- Ollie Pope & Harry Brook (Batters): Their fifties on Day 1 provided the platform. Without their 120-run stand, England would’ve been bundled out for under 100.
- Chris Woakes (New-Ball Threat): With 3/28, Woakes hit the right lengths consistently, troubling even the best Australian technicians.
This blend of leadership, batting grit, and bowling discipline is the hallmark of Stokes’ “Bazball 2.0” approach on overseas tours.
Australia in Crisis: What Went Wrong?
For a team that prides itself on home dominance, Australia’s batting has been shockingly fragile. Analysts point to:
- Technical rigidity: Batters played too far from the body, leading to edges.
- Over-aggression: Trying to dominate, they played false shots early.
- Pitch misreading: Expected bounce and pace, got seam and swing instead.
Even Pat Cummins, usually dependable with the bat, fell for a duck—caught behind off Archer’s first over. The lack of a 50+ partnership in either innings is a red flag.
Historical Context: Ashes Leads and Series Impact
In Ashes history, winning the first Test sets the tone. Teams that take a 1-0 lead at home have gone on to win the series over 70% of the time .
But here’s the twist: if England secure a first-innings lead in Perth, they’ll achieve something rare—gaining control of an Ashes Test on Australian soil. The last time England had a first-innings lead in Australia was in 2019 (Brisbane), and they lost that match anyway.
This time, with Stokes at the helm and momentum on their side, the stakes are higher.
What to Expect on Day 3
All eyes will be on that 10th Australian wicket. Once it falls, England will come out to bat with a lead—however small—and aim to extend it against a demoralized attack.
Key scenarios:
- If Australia are all out before lunch: England could push for a 200+ lead by stumps.
- If Carey and Starc add 50+ runs: Australia might limit the deficit, changing the narrative.
- Weather: Forecasts show clear skies—batting conditions may improve slightly.
As [INTERNAL_LINK:ashes-strategy-guide] experts suggest, “The team that scores 250+ in their second innings will likely win this Test.”
Conclusion: Ashes Hanging in the Balance
The opening Test of the 2025 Ashes has already delivered more drama than entire series of the past. From a record 19-wicket Day 1 to England standing one scalp away from a lead, this contest is a masterclass in Test cricket’s unpredictability.
For England, it’s a chance to shatter the myth of Australian invincibility at home. For Australia, it’s a fight to salvage pride and prevent an early series deficit. One wicket. That’s all it takes to tilt the Ashes urn.