Australia crushed England by eight wickets in a dramatic two-day finish to the first Ashes Test in Perth, turning the match completely on its head after trailing on the opening day.
England started Day 2 on top with a 40-run first-innings lead, but their batting collapsed spectacularly. Scott Boland’s sharp spell triggered 4 wickets for just 11 runs, and Mitchell Starc — who finished with 10 in the match — dismantled England’s hopes as they were bowled out for 164 in the second innings.
Chasing 205, Travis Head produced a blistering counterattack, smashing 123 from only 83 balls. Opening in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, Head dominated England’s pacers and brought up a 69-ball hundred, one of the fastest for Australia in Tests.
Marnus Labuschagne supported with an unbeaten 51 as Australia raced to the target in 28.2 overs, scoring at more than seven an over. Only two wickets fell in the chase, the outcome already sealed long before the final runs.
What looked like an England advantage turned into a nightmare within hours, leaving Ben Stokes’ side “shell-shocked” as Australia celebrated a stunning early lead in the 2025-26 Ashes series.
