Perth, Australia - In a stunning turn of events, the first Ashes Test between Australia and England concluded in just two days at Perth Stadium, with Australia securing an emphatic 8-wicket victory. The match will be remembered for Travis Head's record-breaking century and a dramatic collapse of the English batting lineup.
England won the toss and elected to bat on the first day, but Mitchell Starc spearheaded an Australian bowling attack that dismantled the tourists for a mere 172 runs. Starc finished with a career-best of 7 wickets for 58 runs. Harry Brook, with 52, and Ollie Pope, with 46, offered some resistance but England's innings was the third-shortest first innings in Ashes history on Australian soil. In Australia's response, England's bowlers, led by Ben Stokes, fought back hard and Australia ended the day at 123 for 9, trailing by 49 runs. Stokes took 5 wickets for 23 runs.
The second day belonged entirely to Australia. After quickly wrapping up the Australian first innings for 132, giving England a 40-run lead, the Australian pace bowlers, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, triggered a collapse in the England batting lineup. England were cruising at 65-1 before losing four wickets in quick succession. They were eventually bowled out for 164. Starc finished with 10 wickets for the match.
Set a target of 205 for victory, Australia needed something special, and Travis Head delivered it in spectacular fashion. Promoted to open the batting in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, Head launched an audacious assault on the English bowlers. He reached his century in just 69 balls, the second-fastest in Ashes history, equalling David Warner's record against India in 2012. Only Adam Gilchrist's 57-ball century in 2006 is faster. Head's blistering innings included 12 fours and 4 sixes. He finished with 123 off 83 balls. Marnus Labuschagne contributed an unbeaten 51 as Australia raced to the target in just one session.
The victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The match also marked a historic occasion with Brendan Doggett making his Test debut alongside Scott Boland, the first time two Indigenous Australian men have played in the same Test side. The second Test will be held in Brisbane starting on December 4, 2025.
