The Ashes 2025, first Test, day one as it happened: Stokes triggers stunning collapse as Australian batters capitulate
And to prove Gus Atkinson is doing a fine job of tying the Australians down, he’s got one to bounce and clip Steve Smith on his right elbow. That stung, and the Australian skipper is now being seen to by the physios.
Steve Smith in the hands of the medical staff.Credit: Getty Images
Atkinson sending them down at 138-140km/hr – he didn’t miss. Smith downs some painkillers and is right to go, still grimacing though. Smith has more bottom hand in his technique than most batters, so wearing that blow to his right forearm could have proper implications. Stuart Broad is wondering out loud if it brings short leg into play with potentially less control in Smith’s defence.
Atkinson follows up with an excellent LBW shout. Smith didn’t move at all with his back foot defence there, hitting just too high and correctly turned down.
No rest for the wicked though. Here comes Mark Wood. First ball – 148km/hr if you don’t mind, Smith tucks a ball down to short leg and Marnus calls him through for a too-tight single. Ollie Pope has a shy at the stumps, misses. Labuschagne was out if that hit.
Australia: 1-7 (Labuschagne 4*, Smith 2*) trail by 165 runs.
