The Ashes 2025 LIVE updates: Carey falls for 63 as England take new ball and speed up frenetic contest

Go time people, look alive. Alex Carey faces the first ball, England with it all to play for. Brilliant batting conditions. The new ball can be taken in seven overs, for now it’s Ben Stokes trying for the early breakthrough. Just two slips to start for Carey. Men at third man and fine leg and a ring field in front of the wicket.

Ben Stokes leads England out.Credit: Getty Images

First ball: Full and straight, angling in. Clipped solidly to mid-wicket. No run.

Second ball: Short, same line but back of a length. Steered down for a single behind point.

Third ball: Michael Neser on strike. Barmy Army singing away – Jerusalem to start , as is tradition. Stokes back over the wicket, angled into the right hander and bunted back to him.

Fourth ball: A tad shorter on the same line and trajectory. Neser defends stoutly to cover.

Fifth ball: Back of a length, Neser in behind and dropping the ball back down the pitch.

Sixth ball: Angled in and full, slightly miscued defence on the front foot but sound enough.

Brydon Carse gets first chance today at the other end, curious to see the approach after going for plenty of runs while taking three wickets yesterday as well.

Australia 6-379: Carey 47* Neser 15* lead England by 45 runs.