After being skittled for just 172 in 32.5 overs \u2014 England\u2019s second-shortest Ashes innings in history \u2014 the visitors roared back to reduce Australia to 123 for 9, leaving the hosts trailing by 49 heading into day two. Carse spearheaded the revival by dismissing Steven Smith and Usman Khawaja, before Stokes produced a spell for the ages, claiming 5 for 45 in ten overs to shred Australia\u2019s lower middle order.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Carse revealed that Stokes had set the tone for the day even before a ball was bowled, insisting the squad walk together to the ground, a decision that added to the high-voltage atmosphere created by over 51,000 spectators. \u201cStokesy came up with that idea last night,\u201d Carse said. \u201cWe came in at about 8.30 am because if we were half an hour later, we might have got a bit more stick from the Aussie fans. It was electric\u2026 the energy throughout the day was awesome.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite England\u2019s batting collapse, Stokes\u2019 calmness and clarity at the innings break sparked the turnaround. \u201cStokesy kept it really simple,\u201d Carse explained. \u201cWe had 45-50 minutes before tea, and he said to the lads with the ball, just give everything. The way Gus Atkinson and Jofra started was phenomenal. After tea, the message was similar \u2014 just do it for longer.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England\u2019s bold decision to field five fast bowlers \u2014 a rarity in Test cricket \u2014 paid immediate dividends on a lively Optus Stadium pitch. Short, sharp bursts from Jofra Archer and Mark Wood prevented Australia\u2019s batters from settling, and Carse believes England\u2019s depth will be a major asset across the series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t played in a lot of attacks with five seamers, but everyone complements each other,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re six or seven seamers with different attributes. Hopefully that stands us in good stead.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But Stokes\u2019 performance, aura, and example, Carse insisted, remained the heartbeat of England\u2019s hopes of reclaiming the urn in Australia for the first time since 2010-11. \u201cHis character and enthusiasm around the group, and the way he goes about his business, is phenomenal,\u201d Carse added. \u201cEveryone looks up to him. He\u2019s in beast mode at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI haven\u2019t played in a lot of attacks with five seamers, but everyone complements each other,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re six or seven seamers with different attributes. Hopefully that stands us in good stead.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead to day two, Carse expects conditions to ease and England\u2019s batters to respond with greater conviction. \u201cThe first thing tomorrow is to knock over the last wicket,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ve seen batting can get easier. Some guys were proactive, even Carey at the end. Our batters will know the game plan for the second innings.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n