The 1st Test of Ashes 2025-26 results saw Australia overpower England in a shockingly brief contest at Perth Stadium, with makeshift opener Travis Head blasting a match-defining century as Australia chased down 205 to win by eight wickets. The result — a two-day finish in the series opener — set the tone for a high-octane Ashes and left England reeling.
1st Test of Ashes 2025-26 results: Scoreline and context
Australia won by 8 wickets, completing the chase of 205 convincingly after England were bowled out for 164 in the second innings. The match was notable for its rapid swings: big wicket hauls, a collapse from one side after lunch, and an extraordinary counterattack led by Head. The short nature of the match surprised analysts, with some calling it one of the quickest Ashes Test finishes outside the 19th century. Australia now holds a strong 1–0 lead with confidence surging through their camp.
How the game unfolded: innings-by-innings
England posted 172 and 164 across their two innings, but neither total applied scoreboard pressure due to Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Australia, meanwhile, responded with 132 in the first innings, but the defining moment came in the final innings where they chased 205 with remarkable ease. The Test’s rapid speed brought comparisons to the famous 2015 Edgbaston Ashes Test, though this one had even more dramatic momentum shifts. Full scorecards and ball-by-ball detail are available on major cricket sites.
Also read: India vs South Africa 1st Day Score: India Fight Back Late in the 2nd Test Match
Travis Head — the catalyst
Travis Head played the innings of the match: an aggressive, 83-ball century (123) that dismantled the England attack and turned a tricky fourth-innings chase into a fireworks display. His approach blended fearless striking with calculated pressure on England’s seamers. Head’s ability to dominate high-quality bowling attacks in pressure moments has become a hallmark of modern Australian Test cricket, building on his explosive performances in the 2021–22 Ashes and the 2023 World Test Championship final. His knock was widely hailed as one of the greatest fourth-innings counterattacks in Ashes history.
Mitchell Starc and Australia’s bowling strengths
Mitchell Starc produced one of his most complete Ashes performances, using swing, pace, and steep bounce to trouble England throughout both innings. He claimed several key wickets, including early breakthroughs that set the tone for the match. Starc’s consistency and leadership with the ball stood out, especially at a venue where his full, attacking lengths often prove decisive. His performance not only dismantled England’s top order but also reinforced his reputation as one of the most dangerous Ashes bowlers of the modern era.
Key moments and turning points
- Starc’s early strikes on day one reduced England to unstable positions, putting Australia ahead immediately.
- England’s middle and lower order collapsed in the second innings after appearing steady before lunch, shifting full control to Australia.
- Head’s brutal counterattack — 123 off 83 balls — transformed a potentially tense chase into a dominant finish.
Expanded analysis: What this Test reveals
This Test exposed several structural issues in England’s setup. Their batting lacked resilience against sustained pace, and their bowling attack struggled to adapt once Australia counterattacked aggressively. For Australia, the win reaffirms the strength of their core group: experienced quicks, reliable middle-order batters, and game-changers like Head who can shift momentum instantly. The psychological boost of defeating England in just two days cannot be understated — it adds pressure on England to adapt rapidly before the gap widens.
What to watch next
Looking ahead, England may consider adjusting their batting order or adding an extra bowler capable of reversing momentum. Australia, meanwhile, will aim to maintain their intensity but manage workloads carefully with a long series ahead. All eyes will be on how Head and Starc carry forward their sensational form.
Disclaimer: This article summarises match events and reactions based on published match reports and scorecards from major outlets. Match statistics and quotes are drawn from cited sources; for full scorecards and ball-by-ball coverage refer to the linked official score pages.
Sources: Reuters — Australia win first Ashes Test by eight wickets; ESPNcricinfo — Full scorecard; Cricbuzz — Live scorecard.