Key Takeaways
- Travis Head smashed a 69-ball century, scoring 123 runs off 83 balls
- Australia won the first Ashes Test in just two days
- Mitchell Starc took 7 wickets in England’s first innings
- 19 wickets fell on the first day at Perth
Australia secured a dramatic victory in the first Ashes Test against England, wrapping up the match in just two days thanks to Travis Head’s explosive century. The hosts chased down the target comfortably after Head’s blistering 123 runs from 83 balls sealed the win.
Match Summary
England won the toss and elected to bat first but were bundled out for 172, with Mitchell Starc claiming seven wickets in just 12.5 overs. Australia responded poorly in their first innings, collapsing to 132 as England captain Ben Stokes took five wickets.
England managed only 164 in their second innings, with Gus Atkinson top-scoring at 37. This set Australia a modest target, which they achieved thanks to Head’s heroics.
Head’s Historic Innings
Travis Head came out to bat with Jake Weatherald in the fourth innings and formed a crucial partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, who scored a quick 51 from 49 balls. But Head was the standout performer, hitting 16 boundaries and four sixes at a strike rate of 148.19.
His century came in just 69 balls, making it the second-fastest in Ashes history. Only Adam Gilchrist’s 57-ball century in 2006 was quicker, while Joe Darling’s 85-ball ton in 1898 ranks third.
Pitch Controversy
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who had heavily criticized the turning pitch at Eden Gardens during the India-South Africa Test, remained silent despite 19 wickets falling on the first day at Perth.
Several Indian cricketers highlighted what they saw as double standards. Dinesh Karthik questioned: “Is it fair to say people like to see pacers picking plenty of wickets on spicy pitches than spinners on a turning pitch?”
Ravichandran Ashwin noted: “Only 19 wickets fell at Perth today, but an excellent days cricket,” adding, “Oh no! What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati?”
Aakash Chopra commented: “Such an ‘outcome’ on a subcontinental pitch would’ve meant the death of Test cricket. 😂😄” calling it “Peak hypocrisy??” while clarifying he was only following the scores.
