Travis Head turned an Ashes Test that threatened to slip into uncertainty into a rout, obliterating England’s pace attack with a 69-ball century as Australia completed an eight-wicket victory with three days to spare in the series opener at Perth Stadium on Saturday.
Head, promoted to open after Usman Khawaja’s injury, ripped the contest from England’s grasp, striking 123 off 83 deliveries as Australia chased 205 with authority. Marnus Labuschagne finished unbeaten on 51, smashing a six to level the scores and guiding the hosts to 205 for 2.
Australia captain Steve Smith revealed Head volunteered to open and urged him on. “That innings from Travis Head was out of this world," Smith said. He added that Head had told him, "Go for your life!"
The match produced raw, hostile fast-bowling and dramatic momentum swings, 30 wickets tumbled for 468 runs across 113 overs, but it was Australia’s new ball potency, led by Mitchell Starc, and Head’s audacious counter-attacking that ultimately decided the contest.
England were bowled out for 172 in the first innings as Starc produced a career-best 7 for 58, and Australia themselves collapsed to 132 in response, with no individual score beyond 26. England looked in control early in their second innings, advancing to 65 for 1, but a savage post-lunch spell undid them; three wickets fell without addition to the total and England slumped to 164 in the second dig.
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Starc finished the match with ten wickets, his relentless pace and short-ball strategy dismantling England’s top and middle order. Scott Boland also struck crucial blows, removing Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in quick succession, as England’s batting disintegrated under pressure.
The contest contained moments of drama beyond Head’s onslaught. A lengthy TV review over Jamie Smith’s dismissal invited debate as officials scrutinised whether bat or glove made contact with the ball. Smith briefly paused, then resumed his departure after the review upheld the on-field decision.
Starc’s athleticism was on display in a stunning return catch to dismiss Zac Crawley, completing a remarkable double of early dismissals across the match. England’s tail, however, resisted late, with Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse adding a brisk 50 for the eighth wicket to provide a target of more than 200.
Charged with chasing 205, Australia needed a commanding response, and Head supplied it. He despatched 16 fours and four sixes, carting the ball to all parts of the ground before his innings ended in the outfield while attempting to accelerate the chase. His fearless approach ensured the hosts never looked troubled in the run chase.
Australia’s unbeaten run in home Ashes Tests now stretches to 16 matches, 14 victories and two draws since the 2010-11 defeat, and they head to Brisbane for the second Test, starting December 4, buoyed by both pace potency and a batting unit capable of explosive intent when required.
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