Perth, November 22, 2025 – Australia sealed a remarkable 8-wicket victory over England in the opening Ashes Test at the Optus Stadium, a match that sensationally concluded within just two days. The historic win was powered by Travis Head’s extraordinary century and Mitchell Starc’s career-best bowling performance, setting the tone for a fiery Ashes summer.
Australia chased down the 205-run target with stunning ease, marking the first-ever successful fourth-innings chase at the venue. Head, promoted to open due to Usman Khawaja’s injury, delivered a once-in-a-generation innings, smashing England’s attack with authority. His aggressive stroke play dismantled every tactic England attempted, leaving the visitors stunned. Head’s unbeaten hundred, paired with Marnus Labuschagne’s fluent fifty, ensured Australia crossed the finish line without pressure.
Starc and Boland Set Up Australia’s Dominance
The Test initially swung violently between both sides. Day 1 was dominated by fast bowlers, with England collapsing from 160/5 to 172 all out. Mitchell Starc led Australia’s attack with a sensational 7/58 – his best Test figures – while debutant Brendan Doggett picked up two key wickets. Harry Brook and Ollie Pope offered brief resistance but failed to convert their starts.
Australia’s first innings mirrored England’s struggles. Ben Stokes produced a brilliant five-wicket haul to reduce the hosts to 123/9, keeping England in control at stumps. Only three Australian batters managed to get into the 20s before gifting their wickets to risky strokes.
On Day 2, Australia’s lower-order added valuable runs, limiting England’s lead to just 40. The momentum quickly shifted as Starc removed Zak Crawley early. Pope and Duckett briefly steadied England with disciplined batting, extending the lead to 99 by lunch.
However, England’s collapse in the second session—losing 5 wickets for 23 runs—proved decisive. Boland and Starc triggered the downfall, while a controversial dismissal of Jamie Smith sparked debate. Late resistance from Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse lifted England to a defendable 204, but their fightback ended quickly once Australia began their chase.
Post-Match Reactions
Player of the Match Mitchell Starc praised the collective effort, noting that stepping up without Cummins and Hazlewood was a challenge he embraced. He lauded Travis Head’s match-winning century and appreciated the support from Boland and debutant Doggett.
Travis Head, reflecting on his historic innings, said he was still processing the achievement. He credited the team’s tactical decision to promote him to the opening slot and admitted he could have fallen early, but sticking to the process paid off.
England captain Ben Stokes acknowledged the defeat as “tough to digest,” praising Head’s phenomenal hundred. He noted that Australia wrested control at key moments and admitted England’s shot selection contributed to their downfall.
Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith hailed the win as the perfect start to the Ashes. He praised Head’s fearless batting, Starc’s brilliance across both innings, and the discipline shown by the entire bowling unit. Smith added that the early partnership between Weatherald and Head was crucial in settling nerves during the chase.
Looking Ahead
Australia now lead the Ashes 2025-26 series 1–0. Both teams move to Brisbane next for the Day-Night Pink Ball Test, beginning December 4. Australia have won 12 of their 13 home pink-ball Tests, adding pressure on England to make a strong comeback.