Ben Stokes Admits England “Shellshocked” After Travis Head’s 123 in Ashes Opener

Ben Stokes revealed that England were left shocked after Travis Head’s 123 led Australia to an eight-wicket win in the first Ashes Test.

England skipper Ben Stokes admitted England had no answers after Travis Head’s brilliant batting. Head carried Australia to an eight-wicket win in the first Ashes Test. He smashed 123 in a chase of 205 and kept the pressure on England from the opening overs, with Marnus Labuschagne steady on 51 not out and Steve Smith finishing on 2.

The match wrapped up on day two after Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc ripped through England’s middle order in a fiery spell after lunch. Stokes felt Head’s intent highlighted what England lacked on a surface that rewarded bold batting. The skipper than added that England must convert early starts into big scores on challenging wickets.

“We’re a little bit shellshocked there. That innings from Travis Head was pretty phenomenal. It’s quite raw, quite fresh at the moment, but geez, that was some knock. It’s knocked the wind out of us,” Stokes said while speaking at the post-match presentation.

“If you look at the way the game eked out, the guys who seemed to have success out there with bat in hand were the guys who were really brave and took the game on. Anyone who tried to stay around there and try and occupy the crease didn’t really seem to have too much success,” he continued.

“On wickets like this, you never think you’ve got enough. So, if you find yourself in a position where you’re the guy who’s managed to get in, try and give yourself the best chance of going on,” Stokes concluded.

England Fall to 164 After Promising Start

In the match, England held a 40-run first-innings advantage after bowling Australia out for 132. However, it shifted quickly once Mitchell Starc removed Zak Crawley in the opening over of the second innings. England collapsed from a promising 65-run stand to 164 all out. Starc claimed three wickets for a 10-wicket match haul and Scott Boland took 4-33. Brendon Doggett added three late strikes. Head then attacked from ball one while Marnus Labuschagne contributed an unbeaten 51.

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Australia now move ahead 1-0 in the five-match series as focus shifts to Brisbane.