Australia defeated England in the first Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series at Perth, winning by eight wickets in a match that lasted just two days, a truly historic feat as it was the shortest Ashes Test ever to produce a result in terms of balls bowled and only the seventh Ashes match completed inside two days in 104 years.
Match Highlights and Records
- England opted to bat first, but were dismissed for just 172 in front of a packed stadium. Australia managed 132 in their first innings as bowlers dominated; Mitchell Starc’s 7/58 was his career-best in Tests.
- England then collapsed dramatically in their second innings, failing to build significantly on a 30-run lead and were bowled out for 164, setting Australia a target of 205.
- Travis Head played a once-in-a-generation Ashes innings, scoring 123 off only 83 balls to ensure Australia chased down the target inside a single session, featuring 16 boundaries and 2 sixes. The match was completed in just 100.5 overs, with 30 wickets falling in just five sessions. This produced high drama every session packed with wickets and momentum swings.
Historic Moment
- The match was the shortest ever Ashes Test with a result, confirming how rare such an event is, last seen over a century ago in 1921.
- Batting collapses and fast bowlers on a fiery Perth pitch meant England went from a position of strength to utter defeat in mere hours.
- Ben Stokes took a rapid five-wicket haul for England, while Travis Head’s innings turned the tide in dramatic fashion.
The game saw records: double wicket-maiden starts to both innings, rapid five-fors, and Head’s milestone century.
Also Read: Mitchell Starc Makes History: Completes 100 Wickets in Ashes Test
This two-day finish marks one of the most extraordinary Ashes matches in living memory, delivering high drama, record-breaking feats, and an unforgettable Travis Head special.
