The Ashes: Superb Starc takes five wickets as England slump to 161-7

The Guardian's sports coverage highlights key events for the weekend, including ongoing Ashes drama, Formula 1 racing in Las Vegas, and the north London derby. Readers can follow the latest updates and expert analysis on these significant sporting events.

England's cricket team showcased a dominant performance against Australia, highlighted by Mark Wood's impactful bowling after Jofra Archer's departure. Despite initial setbacks, including Zak Crawley's early wicket, the match evolved into an entertaining spectacle with 19 wickets falling, reflecting the high stakes of the Ashes series.

Brydon Carse praised England's pace attack following a dramatic first day of the Ashes series in Perth, where 19 wickets fell, leaving Australia 49 runs behind with nine wickets down. England was bowled out for 172, with Mitchell Starc taking seven wickets for 58 runs. Despite the underwhelming total, Carse noted the positive atmosphere in the England dressing room, particularly under captain Ben Stokes.

The England cricket team, under New Zealand coach Brendon McCullum, is adopting an aggressive playing style known as 'Bazball' as they aim to reclaim the Ashes from Australia for the first time in a decade. This strategy marks a significant shift in their approach to the historic rivalry.

Updates from Perth indicate that England won the toss and chose to bat in the first Test of the Ashes series against Australia. The match marks the beginning of a highly anticipated cricket rivalry, with Jake Weatherald set to debut for Australia. Pre-match banter has intensified, particularly involving former England spinner Monty Panesar and Australian captain Steve Smith.

Ian Wright has defended Jude Bellingham against criticism, suggesting that some people are not prepared for a 'black superstar.' Bellingham faced backlash for his reaction to being substituted during England's World Cup qualifying match against Albania. Wright believes that Bellingham's success intimidates some individuals, indicating a deeper issue regarding race and acceptance in sports.

Elliot Daly, returning from a broken arm, is set to play against Argentina after a significant career turnaround since his red card in 2016. With 73 caps, Daly's high-ball skills are expected to enhance England's aerial tactics against the Pumas.

Steve Smith, Australia's acting captain, responded to Monty Panesar's comments regarding the 2018 sandpaper ball-tampering scandal, suggesting that England's team should use it to unsettle him. Smith downplayed the remarks but referenced Panesar's poor performance on the quiz show Mastermind in 2019 as a retort. This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions as the Ashes series approaches.