In the first innings, Australia hit the 50 mark in the 24th over. Travis Head pounces on deliveries when offered any sort of width. In Tests the since the start of 2022, he averages 55.2 at an exceptional strike rate of 131 with deliveries wide of off stump. England have hardly bowled any deliveries on tight lines and attacking Head's body.

England coach Brendon McCullum has urged fans to keep faith despite a disastrous start to their Ashes campaign, with hosts Australia clinching an eight-wicket win in Perth on the second day of the first test.