The all-rounder was all-action on a day where he took aim at Marnus Labuschagne, but the
Australian ended day one on top
What’s got red hair and six legs? Ben Stokes bowling at Marnus Labuschagne. OK, as a
Christmas cracker joke it could do with some work. As a bowling strategy, however, it proved a lot more entertaining – and for
England, provided the highlight of a day that could otherwise be described as frustrating, disappointing, and a missed opportunity.
Australia were 25 for one when Stokes came on for his first spell, with half an hour left of the opening session. He made his intentions for Labuschagne clear the moment the No 3 appeared in his sights: one at the head, one at the chest. Stokes’s next over was faster but messier, with two no-balls and a bouncer tall enough to be called a wide. His third over was the one that clicked.