Travis Head rewrote the script on Saturday, dismantling England’s pace attack with one of the finest Ashes hundreds as Australia stormed to an eight-wicket win in the first Test with three days still remaining. Head countered England’s aggressive “Bazball” strategy by producing a blistering 69-ball century after being moved up the order to open in place of the injured Usman Khawaja.
Australia captain Steve Smith revealed that Head volunteered to take the opening spot, and he told him:
“Go for your life!” “That innings from Travis Head was out of this world,” Smith said.
Across just three innings and five sessions, the fast bowlers completely dominated in Perth, with 30 wickets tumbling for 468 runs in only 113 overs — 19 on a frantic opening day and another 11 before tea on Day 2. Chasing 205 for victory, Head stepped in as a temporary opener and smashed a stunning 123 off 83 balls, finding the fence 16 times and clearing it four more as he scored freely all around the ground.
He was eventually caught in the deep while attempting to finish the chase quickly, with Australia just 13 runs away from victory at 192/2. Marnus Labuschagne then sealed the result by striking a six to level the scores and remained unbeaten on 51 as Australia wrapped up the chase at 205/2.
Here are some twitter reactions:
Absolute Hammering for England
Australia win by 8 wickets, chasing 205 in 28.2 overs
It's going to be a long series for England 🏴#Ashes#AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/5fv4oLOSIp
— The Cricket Express (@TheYorkerBall) November 22, 2025
Travis Head is CLUTCH. After a gap, boss is baaaackkkk 🔥🔥🔥#AUSvsENG #TheAshes
— Varun Velamakanti 🦅 (@CricVarunSRH) November 22, 2025
#Ashes2025 – ENG vs AUS : Excellent first innings from Eng and followed by Banger 2nd innings 😭🔥 Travis Head's Knock is Just BLAST, a quick 100 from him saved to play next day morning as 3rd day.. #Australia
— Mukil Vardhanan (@Mukil_Vardhanan) November 22, 2025
Saturday Morning Day 1 – empty stadiums
That’s the difference between test cricket in India vs Eng/Aus pic.twitter.com/db1teDpcIx
— Prabhdeep Singh (@Prabhdeep_13) November 22, 2025
Last week when test in India was completed in around 2.5 days, everyone criticized the pitch. Now Aus vs eng test match over in 1.8 days. But none is criticizing the perth pitch now.
— Hind Desh 🇮🇳 (Modi ji ka parivar) (@DeshNM) November 22, 2025
Ashes: After more than 100 yrs! AUS vs ENG Test makes history with dramatic finish https://t.co/B7C9FmRY4J pic.twitter.com/NhjK4qytlb
— Gags (@CatchOfThe40986) November 22, 2025
Aus 1 – Eng 0
All thanks to Travis Head for finishing the game early, so we can watch IND vs SA for the rest of the days. pic.twitter.com/DKQQdAVVEq
— LazyLongOn (@LazyLongOn) November 22, 2025
Australia Extend Home Ashes Unbeaten Run To 16 As England Collapse On Day 2
The win extended Australia’s unbeaten streak in home Ashes Tests to 16 matches, consisting of 14 victories and two draws since their defeat in the 2010–11 series. A test defined by shifting momentum saw England dominate the opening four sessions before surrendering control through a dramatic batting collapse after lunch on Day 2.
After choosing to bat first, Stokes watched his side crumble for 172, with senior Australian quick Mitchell Starc spearheading a depleted attack and claiming a career-best 7/58. Australia were then dismissed for 132, with the top score only 26, while Ben Stokes claimed a five-wicket haul after his seamers produced some early movement.
In their second innings, England looked comfortable at 65/1 before the momentum shifted sharply. At 76/2, they lost three wickets without adding a run, and were fortunate not to lose a fourth due to a dropped catch, eventually being bowled out for 164.
This set up the final innings, with Australia having more than three days to chase a modest target. That was when Travis Head, the in-form batter with his trademark moustache, stepped up decisively.
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