Brydon Carse revealed how Ben Stokes was keeping spirits high in the England camp after they were bowled out for 172 in 32.5 overs in the Ashes opener at the Perth Stadium. Despite losing more than one game, England staged a strong comeback on Day 1, reducing Australia to 123 for nine, still trailing by 49 runs.
Carse praised Stokes for his energy and positivity, noting how he encouraged the bowlers to make the most of the conditions for the bowlers. He also praised the pace duo of Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer for keeping relentless pressure on the Australian batsmen.
“He was always positive, always full of enthusiasm and really sent the message very simply and that’s the way he always dealt with the side. Stokesy said: “Let’s smash the wicket hard and get the most out of it. We’ve got 50 minutes before Tea,” and I started thinking the way Gus (Atkinson) and I brought it into the session in the afternoon and I. we were pretty relentless as a group of seamers and Ben spun us well,” Carse said after the day’s play.
CHARACTER AND ENTHUSIASM
Stokes led England from the front and became them the first England captain in 43 years to take five wickets in an Ashes Test. The all-rounder tore through Australia’s line-up with figures of 6-1-23-5 and claimed the wickets of Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland.
“His character and enthusiasm for the group and the way he goes about his business is phenomenal. Everyone looks up to him. He’s a great leader to have on our team. He’s been here for the last two-and-a-half weeks and as Ducky (Ben Duckett) said a few weeks ago, he’s in beast mode at the moment. Hopefully that will pay off for him throughout the Cars series.
Carse also impressed with the ball, returning figures of 10-1-45-2. He dismissed Steve Smith before claiming the wicket of Usman Khawaja. Jofra Archer picked up two wickets, while Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson failed to make the cut.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
November 21, 2025
