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Makeshift opener Travis Head scored an explosive 69-ball century to lead Australia to victory in the Ashes Test's first high-octane test on Saturday as England meekly surrendered at Perth Stadium. Chasing a 205 win, Head reached 123 as the hosts returned home eight wickets on day two in an electric start to the five-match series. Marnus Labuschagne was unbeaten at 51 and Steve Smith at two.
Also Read: Result of Every Ashes Series in the History
Last time an Ashes Test finished in two days
The contest only lasted two days, making it the shortest Test match on Australian soil since 1932. The first time an Ashes match has ended this quickly in more than a century. The last instance of a two-day finish between the rivals dates back to 1921 in Nottingham, where Australia had also emerged victorious.
Travball beats Bazball as Australia draw first blood in the Ashes!
The first two-day finish in an Ashes Test since 1921 😮
Scorecard: https://t.co/RFv9aTOydG pic.twitter.com/7EDCcE3y2y
Australia got the job done in just 28.2 overs
Chasing what appeared to be an awkward 205-run target victory, Australia got the job done in just 28.2 overs, ticking along at a blistering tempo of 7.24 runs per over. Head, elevated to opener in the absence of the injured Usman Khawaja, clobbered 16 boundaries and four sixes during his knock, combining with Marnus Labuschagne for a 117-run partnership for the second wicket.
Head passed triple figures in 69 deliveries
Head passed triple figures in just 69 deliveries, the equal third-fastest century by an Australian in Tests, a performance that will prompt speculation on whether he should stay at the top of the order for the remainder of the series. Nobody else in the match has managed more than 52, it was as though he was batting on a completely different pitch from the one that had just seen 30 wickets fall across five sessions.
Also Read: : Most Runs in Ashes History
Starc secure his first Ashes ten-for
Mitchell Starc, who had claimed 7 for 58 on the opening day, went on to take three more in the second innings to secure his first Ashes ten-for and only the third ten-wicket haul of his career. His early strike on day two, a diving caught-and-bowled to dismiss Zak Crawley to a pair, ignited the packed Perth crowd and signalled Australia’s intent.
