Follow UsEngland clawed their way back into the opening Ashes Test after a chaotic first day in Perth, and fast bowler Brydon Carse credited captain Ben Stokes for the turnaround, calling him “phenomenal”.
England were bowled out for 172 earlier in the day, but responded with a fierce bowling spell that left Australia reeling at 123 for 9 in a session that completely shifted the momentum of the match.
Speaking after stumps, Carse explained that Stokes had laid out a clear tactical plan before play even began, and the team fully bought into his energy and vision. Giving context to the morning’s preparations, Carse revealed that the idea for England’s aggressive approach was set the previous night when Stokes took the call of walking in the next morning through the crowd to pump up his team.
“Stokesy came up with that idea last night … We got in at about 8.30 am, because I think if we were about half an hour later, we might have got a bit more stick from some of the Aussie fans. It was electric … the energy throughout the day was awesome,” Carse said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
Carse also detailed how Stokes’ leadership simplified England’s approach, especially in the crucial session before tea when Australia’s top order was dismantled. Setting up the moment, Carse noted that England needed a spark after a modest batting effort.
“Stokesy kept it really simple. We had 45–50 minutes before tea, and he said to the lads with the ball, give everything. The way Gus Atkinson and Jofra [Archer] started was phenomenal. And then after tea, that messaging was pretty similar, just do it over a longer period of time,” the right arm pacer said.
Carse also offered a heartfelt assessment of the England captain’s presence, noting how his intensity over the past few weeks had lifted the entire team. Carse said the group recognised Stokes had entered the series in peak physical and mental condition.
“His character and enthusiasm around the group, and the way he goes about his business is phenomenal,” Carse said about Stokes.
“Everyone looks up to him. He’s a great leader to have in our team. He’s been out here for the last two-and-a-half weeks, and as Ducky [Ben Duckett] said a couple of weeks ago, he’s in beast mode at the moment. Hopefully that pays off throughout the series for him.”