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Australia clinches first Ashes Test with Head's explosive 123
Australia secured an eight-wicket triumph over England in the opening Ashes Test at Perth, wrapping up the match in just two days-the first such result since 1921-thanks to Travis Head's blistering 123 off 69 balls, the second-fastest Ashes century ever. The hosts chased down 205 in 28.2 overs, taking a 1-0 series lead.
England's collapse hands Australia momentum
England's dominance evaporated after lunch on day two. Despite a 40-run first-innings lead and a promising 65-1 start, they lost six wickets for 39 runs in 11 overs, including Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and Joe Root in a six-ball span. Mitchell Starc's 10-wicket haul (7-58 and 3-33) dismantled the visitors, who folded for 164-their last nine wickets falling for 99 runs.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse briefly resisted with a 50-run stand, but Australia's bowlers, led by Starc and Scott Boland (4-33), sealed England's fate. The tourists' aggressive approach backfired, leaving them stunned by the turnaround.
Head's tactical promotion changes the game
Australia's bold move to promote Head to opener paid off spectacularly. Facing a tricky Perth pitch and the loss of Usman Khawaja to injury, Head attacked from the outset, smashing four sixes-including a baseball-style heave off Jofra Archer. His partnership with debutant Jake Weatherald (75-run stand) and later Marnus Labuschagne (51*) ensured Australia's chase never faltered.
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Head's dismissal, skying a catch with 13 runs needed, barely slowed Australia. The crowd roared as Labuschagne finished the job, capping a 287-ball Test, the shortest completed Ashes match since 1888.
England's tactical missteps under scrutiny
England's collapse raised questions about their "Bazball" strategy. After dominating the first session, their batters' over-aggression gifted Australia wickets. Ben Stokes' side now faces a daunting task: regrouping for the day-night second Test in Brisbane (4 December), where Australia boasts a near-flawless record.
Injuries to Pat Cummins (absent here) and Khawaja, plus Nathan Lyon's early exit, failed to hinder Australia. Starc's career-best figures and Head's heroics underscored their depth-a warning for England ahead of the series' next chapter.
Key figures
- Travis Head: 123 (69 balls), 4 sixes
- Mitchell Starc: 10-91 (match), 7-58 (1st innings)
- Scott Boland: 4-33 (2nd innings)
- England's last 9 wickets: 99 runs
