After Ben Stokes’ miraculous spell helped England recover well on the first day of the Ashes Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Michael Vaughan predicted that the Three Lions will bat long on Day 2 and establish a commanding lead in the match. However, the former England captain’s forecast proved to be incorrect, as Australia finished the game with a fantastic all-round performance to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
While England led by 40 runs in the first innings, they were thrashed for 164 in their second attempt with the bat. Australia easily took down the small 205-run goal, thanks to Travis Head’s stunning 123 off 83 balls. Marnus Labuschagne also contributed to an undefeated half-century. Steve Smith and his team required only 28.2 overs to reach the mark.
“Was that the most dramatic first day of all time? I think it was.. What’s Day 2 going to bring.. My prediction is for England to Bat the day and have full control by the end,” Vaughan had posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Former India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin chipped in with a cheeky tweet after England’s disappointing defeat, teasing Vaughan for his incorrect prediction.
Was that the most dramatic first day of all time ? I think it was .. What’s Day 2 going to bring .. My prediction is for England to Bat the day and have full control by the end .. #Ashes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 21, 2025
“Full control” full of doubts🤓 https://t.co/8I6auktBxc
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 22, 2025
Earlier on Day 2, Scott Boland bowled a brilliant spell as he dismissed four England batters. He will feel relieved with this performance after going wicketless in the first innings and conceding runs at an economy rate of 6.2 in 10 overs. Mitchell Starc also backed up his seven-for in the first innings with a three-wicket haul on Saturday. Brendan Doggett also contributed with three wickets.
The second Test is set to be played from December 4 to 8 at the iconic Gabba in Brisbane. Australia, who are the current holders of the Ashes, have managed a 1-0 lead without two of their legendary seamers – Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummin – and this should give them a lot of confidence.
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