Australia crushed England by eight wickets in the first Ashes Test at Optus Stadium on Saturday, wrapping up the first Test inside two days. The dominant performance was powered by a scintillating century from makeshift opener Travis Head, who struck 123 off 83 balls with 16 fours and four sixes, guiding his side to a target of 205 with huge time to spare. This is the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test has been wrapped up in just two days.
The Test began in dramatic fashion, with pace dominating from both sides. On Day 1, Mitchell Starc ripped through England’s top order, finishing with match-defining figures of 7 for 58 to bundle them out for 172. But England fired back late in Australia’s first innings, as their own pace attack, led by Ben Stokes, reduced the hosts to 132. Stokes claimed a fiery 5-wicket haul in just six overs.
Meanwhile, on Day 2, England collapsed again for 164, leaving Australia with a modest 205 to chase. Notably, Marnus Labuschagne, who remained unbeaten on 51 off 49 balls, striking six fours and one six, gave massive support to Head.
Travis Head has knocked off one of the greatest innings in the Ashes history. It is worth noting that it is the second-fastest century in Ashes history. It was the result of his fearless call to open the batting for Australia as a cover for the injured Usman Khawaja.