There is an end-of-term feel to this fifth Ashes Test. Not quite everyone wearing their own clothes, or lessons swapped for quizzes and films, but a sense that six weeks of intense cricket has led to tired minds. On a green-tinged pitch, with skies bruised, floodlights on and a breeze aiding swing, this made for a slightly frenetic opening day.
By stumps Australia were 61 for one from 25 overs and could claim to have the early edge in their quest to turn Ashes retention into a full-blown statement Ashes series win. They had bowled England out for 283 in just 54.4 overs, Mitchell Starc’s standout figures of four for 82 from 14.4 overs neatly summing up the entertaining chaos on show.
