Australia defeated England by 8 wickets in two days in first Test in Perth.
Australia steamrolled England in the first Test of the Ashes 2025-26 that was played in Perth. The match lasted two days, as 19 wickets fell on the first day, while Travis Head’s amazing century ensured Australia won the game by 8 wickets.
England made 172 in their first innings as Mitchell Starc took 7/58. In response, Ben Stokes’ fifer halted Australia at 132 runs. England’s tail wagged as they made 164 in the second innings to set a target of 205 runs for Australia to chase.
Travis Head opened the innings in the absence of Usman Khawaja and tore apart the England bowling, making 123 runs in 83 balls with 16 fours and four sixes. Australia won the game by 8 wickets in 28.3 overs on day two.
This knock by Head is now set to cost losses of over AUD 3 million (approximately Rs. 17.35 crore) in revenues to Cricket Australia.
“Feel sorry for the people that can’t come tomorrow. I think it was a full house again," Head said after the match.
CA chief executive Todd Green had hinted at his fears even before the play began on Day 2, half-joking that he was anxious the test might not last three days.
“It’s difficult for a number of different groups. Our broadcasters, first of all. Certainly, us, on ticket sales, and our partners and sponsors. There’s a big economic impact on this series,” he had said on SEN when discussing the financial impact of a match finishing early.
According to Australian Associated Press estimates, 51,531 people attended the Test on the first day, followed by 49,983. The total of 101,514 beat the previous record of 96,463 established in Perth last year by India, who won in four days.
The third day, known as the 'moving day' since it is critical in determining the course of the match, is also characterized by high attendance statistics.
Last year, CA reported a deficit of Rs. 65.38 crore, which drew criticism. However, Chair Mike Baird claimed that missing white-ball games distorted the figures and that this year's finances will soar. The board's finances might be seriously harmed by games lasting more than four days.