Perth, Nov. 21 -- Brydon Carse heaped praise on England captain Ben Stokes as the visitors ended the first day of the opening Test against Australia at Perth in the ascendancy, as per the ICC website.

Stokes racked up figures of 5/23 as England ended the first day with a lead of 49 runs in Perth, with the hosts reeling at 123/9 after bowling out England for 172 earlier in the day.

The visitors, looking to end a 14-year wait for a series win in Australia, got the start they wanted in the five-match series, and Carse put their early promise largely down to their skipper.

"His (Stokes) character and enthusiasm around the group, and the way he goes about his business, is phenomenal. Everyone looks up to him. He's a great leader to have in ...