It was a madhouse in Perth, in the latest instalment of sport’s oldest international skirmish. England, who opted to bat after Ben Stokes won the toss, were skittled before tea for 172: no score at all. Stokes then galvanised his men to take nine wickets before stumps, the captain leading the way with five strikes in six overs as a tumultuous day ended with the tourists holding a lead of 49 runs.

And this was merely the opening day.

The Australians, players and spectators alike, think little of the phenomenon known as Bazball, which is the term applied to England’s Test cricket since the New Zealander Brendon McCullum became coach three years ago. There is nothing new under the sun, they have said repeatedly, and they are not wrong. Except…

In days gone by would England’s bowlers have responded so vigorously........

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