The second day of the highly anticipated Ashes series in Australia delivered a compelling mix of on-field drama and off-field colour, setting the stage for a fiercely contested battle. From a chef's nostalgic cure for English hangovers to a formidable bowling sequence from an Australian star, the action at Perth Stadium captivated fans.
The Ultimate Barmy Army Hangover Cure
After an intoxicating opening day that saw many travelling England supporters indulge a little too heavily, a perfect remedy was on offer at the Optus Stadium. With the Barmy Army in mind, the stadium's food outlets featured a special item: the 'breakfast of champions'.
This hearty fry-up was created by the stadium's sous chef, Michelle Rose, a Pom who emigrated to Australia 15 years ago. 'The Full Monty reminds me of the local greasy spoon,' Ms Rose said. 'Everywhere had a cafe at the corner and we always used to go there for a full English breakfast.'
The plate, featuring egg, bacon, a sausage patty, black pudding, a hash brown, cheese, and a choice of HP or tomato sauce, costs £8.50. For those with a later appetite, The Yorker – a plate-sized Yorkshire pudding filled with sliced roast beef, roasted vegetables, and mustard gravy – offers a nod to the traditional Sunday roast.
Contrasting Preparations and Starc's Stunning Form
While England's players engaged in their usual practice routines on the outfield during the 80 minutes leading up to the first ball, a noticeable absence was observed. No Australian cricketers were seen on the field as the ground filled towards its 52,000 capacity, keeping their preparations out of the public eye.
This contrasted with England's choreographed walk with fans on the first morning, a move designed to project unity. Cricket Australia had reportedly been less than enthusiastic about this approach, preferring the entire party to travel together with security.
On the field, Mitchell Starc extended an extraordinary bowling sequence. The dismissal of Zak Crawley, caught by Starc from a agile, full-length return catch, marked a continuation of a remarkable spell. This wicket meant that the 35-year-old left-armer had taken 14 Test wickets for just 67 runs dating back to the start of West Indies' second innings in Jamaica. It was also the 25th time in his Test career he had struck in his very first over.
Off-Field Business and Shifting Odds
Away from the pitch, England's Ben Duckett has been promoting his online retail business, Duckett's Buckets, which sells a range of caps and hats for cricket fans, featuring a duck motif as a nod to his nickname. In a light-hearted twist, it was suggested that opening partner Zak Crawley might consider a rival brand, 'Zak's Quacks', after registering a pair in his Test career.
The balance of power was demonstrably shifting as the day progressed. Immediately after lunch on the second day, it was clear that Australia should never be underestimated, even without key bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
This sentiment was reflected in the betting markets. According to Betfair's Win Predictor, while 38% of fans backed England to win the first Test before it began, Australia still held the box seat with 56% of the share. Support for the hosts was even stronger in the Ashes series market, with six in ten backing Australia compared to England's 31%.
The decision to start the five-match campaign on Australia's west coast in Perth has proven a boon for television audiences. The time zone allows the British public to catch the final session of a weekday's play before work and school, significantly increasing the overall live television audience.
