Perth Ashes Thriller: Head's Century Sinks England in Opening Test
Perth Ashes Thriller: Head's Century Sinks England in Opening Test
Travis Head's rapid century sparks a dramatic Australia comeback as England crumble in the first Ashes Test in Perth.
Perth hosted the opening Ashes Test as England looked to assert control before Travis Head’s blazing century sparked a dramatic Australia fightback. Head, elevated to opener in place of the injured Usman Khawaja, blasted a 69-ball hundred to lift Australia from a spot of bother and set the tone on day one.
England had a ready-made platform early on when Zak Crawley was dismissed at Starc for the second time in 11 deliveries, becoming one of the few England openers to post an Ashes pair. But Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope steadied with a 65-run stand, and the visitors attacked with confidence. Yet a flurry of quick dismissals — including Duckett's edge off Boland, Brook's waft at a wide one, and Root's attempted force at Starc — swung momentum back the hosts' way. Stokes then edged to second slip, allowing Starc to record a 10-wicket haul in an Ashes Test, the first Australian to achieve the feat since Shane Warne two decades ago. England limped to a fragile late collapse, finishing with a frail total as Australia pressed forward to seize control of the match.
That turning point was Head’s explosive innings, complemented by the early pressure from Australia's bowlers, which left England facing a steep climb as the second day looms. The sport’s oldest rivalry has a fresh momentum, with Australia looking to convert this start into a series-tilting advantage. Fans will be watching Perth and beyond as the next chapters of this storied contest unfold, with Head’s fireworks lighting the way for Australia and England seeking a rapid correction to avoid an uphill battle.
Cover image source: First Ashes Test: England in charge after dismissing Australia for 132 🔗
