Jofra Archer showed just how valuable he’s going to be to England in this Ashes series after dragging Ben Stokes’ side back from the brink. England had it all to do after a disappointing start on day one in Australia. Brendon McCullum’s side were bowled out for just 172 runs as Mitchell Starc ran riot in the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.

The Aussie pace-bowler chalked up an impressive 7-58 and dispatched Zak Crawley, Joe Root and Mark Wood for ducks. Starc tore into England’s batting order, getting rid of Ben Duckett, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson in a brilliant display.

Brook high-scored for England with 52 runs, while Pope, Smith and Duckett all scored double figures. Despite being so poor with the bat, England responded brilliantly with a five-for from captain Stokes with the ball in hand as Archer and Brydon Carse gave England a lifeline at the end of day one.

England player ratings – by Matty Hewitt

Zak Crawley – 3

Needed to show more composure in the first over and made it too easy for the Aussies to get the first wicket of the game. Need more from him in the second innings.

Ben Duckett – 5

Responded well after the loss of his opening partner and tried to take the game to the Australians but was caught out by a corker from Starc.

Ollie Pope – 6

Pope was visibly frustrated after being caught lbw, but looked a confident man aside from his dismissal. England’s second-highest scorer came up just short of his half-century.

Joe Root – 3

A really disappointing first innings from England’s best batsman, who was dismissed after facing just seven balls. It won’t be the innings that defines his tour but he knows his side need more from him.

Harry Brook – 6

England’s most inspiring batsman. He took the game to Australia when they needed to fight back after a dismal start to their innings. Took a good catch in the slips to send Steve Smith on his way.

Ben Stokes – 10.

Didn’t deliver with the bat but led from the front with the ball. Brilliant five-fer for Travis Head’s dismissal and then piled the pressure on with Cameron Green, Mitchell Starc, and Alex Narey’s wickets.

Jamie Smith – 6

Scored 33 off just 22 balls and kept the scorecard moving in right direction as Australia chipped away. Needed a bit more composure before his dismissal but kept well.

Gus Atkinson – 8

Atkinson was Stokes’ go-to man to keep hammering away at the Aussie batsmen. He wasn’t able to take any wickets on day one, but managed four maidens from nine.

Brydon Carse – 8

Two huge wickets to dismiss Australia’s dangerman in Steve Smith and send Usman Khawaja packing after entering the fray late on.

Jofra Archer – 9

England’s best bowler until Ben Stokes got in on the action. Two quick wickets set the tone and four maiden overs from eight. The need to keep him fit.

Mark Wood – 7

He hasn’t played much cricket this summer but came steaming in with a first over of 92-93mph. Didn’t take any wickets but looked frightening.