England vs Australia LIVE - The Ashes Day 2: Australia on the ropes at 129 with just one wicket remaining after drama-filled opening day

Australian media blasted their own side after a disastrous first day in Perth, declaring the Ashes defence in 'total disarray' as the team collapsed to 123 for nine despite Mitchell Starc’s seven-wicket haul.

Usman Khawaja became the centre of a storm after being barred from opening due to time off the field, with reports claiming back stiffness, and even a pre-Test round of golf, contributed to the farcical delay.

The chaos forced an unprepared top order into action, leaving debutant Jake Weatherald out for a duck and Steve Smith pushed up early as Australia unravelled within minutes.

Australian spinner Nathan Lyon's family arrived to Optus Stadium yesterday, with his two eldest daughters Mila and Harper boasting very striking cricket shirts.

They had their father's name emblazoned on the back, along with the number 67 - a nod to the viral meme that emerged in 2025 on TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Lyon's wife Emma brought the girls - from his previous marriage - to the match, while also pushing their daughter along in a pram.

She promised that there would be more 'cute outfits' to show later in the match.

All of the Aussie batsmen had a torrid time on day one of the first Ashes Test, but former Australian captain Ricky Ponting was watching one with eagle eyes.

Cam Green has spent almost a year out of the game due to a stress fracture in his lower back that required surgery.

He was parachuted straight back into the Test team at the expense of Beau Webster, a contentious decision.

Now Ponting has accused of pre-empting deliveries on his return, a sign the former skipper says means Green is not at his confident best.

Ponting: 'That is not a good sign. That is someone that's not concentrating and not watching the ball.'

Australia will be desperate to find any runs they can on day two of the first Ashes Test at Optus Stadium today, after an incredible opening day of play that saw 19 wickets tumble - an Ashes record.

First, Aussie seamer Mitchell Starc recorded figures of 7-58 to skittle England for just 172 before tea.

England counter-attacked with a pace onslaught of their own, led by skipper Ben Stokes who claimed five for 23 in six overs during the last session, to reduce the hosts to 123-9 at stumps and still trailing by 49 runs.

Add to Australia's pain is veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who reportedly suffered back spasms on day one, although the Aussies are confident he will be cleared to bat again if required.

Nathan Lyon is unbeaten on 3 while debutant Brendan Doggett is yet to face a ball.

Welcome to our live coverage of the second day of the first Ashes Test here at Optus Stadium. Will there be as much drama today as the opening day?