Mike Atherton's Ashes review - Day one

Athers on Stoneman's spirit, Bairstow batting at six, and a 'lightning quick' Perth outfield

By Michael Atherton, Cricket Expert & Columnist

Mark Stoneman's bat was broken but his spirit was not, says Athers, as the opener laid the foundations for a strong day one for England in Perth.

Mark Stoneman suffered a broken bat and a blow on the head but his spirit in Perth was unrelenting, says Michael Atherton.

Watch Athers' video review of day one above as he salutes Stoneman's ticker, dissects Dawid Malan's maiden Test century, and hails the call to promote Jonny Bairstow up to No 6, above Moeen Ali.

Malan (110no) and Bairstow (75no) put on an unbroken 174 for the fifth wicket after Stoneman (56) - who had his bat handle smashed by Mitchell Starc and was struck on his helmet by Josh Hazlewood - was given out caught behind on review as England closed on 305-4.

Malan ton puts England on top

Dawid Malan hit his maiden Test hundred as England made a strong start to the crucial third Ashes Test in Perth.

England have never lost at the WACA after scoring over 300 in their first innings and Athers believes they could score a fair few more runs on day two on a "lightning fast" outfield.

"The first hour will be crucial," he muses...

Also See:

Head to skysports.com every day of the Ashes Tests for Athers' video reviews - follow the series across Sky Sports' digital platforms.

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