Australia delivered a statement of intent in the opening Test of the Ashes, dismantling England with a dominant eight-wicket victory in Perth on Saturday, November 22. While Mitchell Starc stole the spotlight with a sensational 10-wicket match haul, it was Travis Head’s fearless second-innings century that sealed Australia’s emphatic start to the series.
Chasing 205, Head walked out as an opener—a strategic tweak aimed at countering England’s aggressive, short-ball-heavy plans. What followed was one of the most explosive knocks in modern Ashes history. The left-hander smashed 123 off just 83 deliveries, peppering the boundary with 16 fours and four towering sixes. Head admitted he knew exactly what England would throw at him, and he was determined to take the game head-on from the first ball.
Reflecting on his blistering ton, Travis Head said on Channel 7, “I don’t think I can fully describe the knock. It’s a dream start to the series. England are a quality outfit, and the way Starcy bowled yesterday, we couldn’t afford to let the momentum slip. I was happy to open—it was a role I was keen for. I understood their short-ball plans and just wanted to contribute.”
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Travis Head also acknowledged that the innings could have gone either way early on but credited his mindset for setting the tone for the series.
Travis Head said, “it was Steven Smith’s decision to send me to open in this run chase. I was keen to go out there”. pic.twitter.com/vQqWjRmrwI
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 22, 2025
“Could’ve easily been out in the first over, but that’s cricket. I’ve had a few 90s here, even a 99, so it feels good to finally convert. Perth has always been a nice place to bat, and the ovation was special. We’ll celebrate this—being 1-0 up in the Ashes is always huge.”
Starc’s magnificent 10 for 113 ripped apart England’s batting in both innings, overshadowing Ben Stokes’ gritty five-wicket haul. The Test wrapped up inside two days, highlighting Australia’s ruthlessness and England’s struggle to adapt to the pace and bounce at Perth.
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Attention now shifts to the Day-Night Test at the Gabba in Brisbane—one of Australia’s most iconic cricketing fortresses. However, the hosts face an anxious wait over captain Pat Cummins’ fitness. His chances of returning remain uncertain, and a final call will be taken closer to the match.
Australia, though, have already seized the momentum—and Brisbane promises another fiery chapter in the unfolding Ashes saga.
