Australia crushed England by eight wickets in the first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium on Saturday. Makeshift opener Travis Head smashed a 69-ball 123, guiding his team to chase 205 runs. The hosts finished the match in under two days, leaving England reeling after a batting collapse.
England started their second innings at 65-1, building a modest lead, but Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc sparked a stunning collapse. Boland took three quick wickets while Starc claimed four, including captain Ben Stokes. England were all out for 164, with only a small late partnership offering limited resistance.
Read more: Duckett and Pope defy Starc as England take control on day two
Chasing 205, Australia sent Head to open in place of Usman Khawaja, who struggled with stiffness. Head attacked immediately, hitting boundaries and sixes, reaching his half-century in just 36 balls. He eventually fell for 123, but Marnus Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 51, ensuring a comfortable win.
Australia’s bowlers dominated from the start, with Starc taking a 10-wicket match haul for the third time in his career. The pace duo’s performance highlighted England’s vulnerability against high-speed bowling on a bouncy Perth pitch. Debutant Jake Weatherald also played aggressively but was dismissed cheaply, reinforcing Head’s impact.
Read more: Starc’s 10 wickets, Boland’s brilliance put Australia in control
The victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the five-match Ashes series, signaling a strong start at home. England must regroup quickly for the second Test to avoid falling further behind. Fans praised Head’s explosive batting and the bowlers’ relentless pressure, setting the tone for a thrilling series.