Australia crushed England An eight-wicket win in the opening Ashes Test at Perth Stadium sealed the contest inside two days and delivered a stellar performance to start the 2025–26 series. The match, filled with dramatic collapses and fierce run chases, became the first Ashes Test to end inside two days in more than a century since 1921. travis head Stole the show with a blistering century, while England’s batting failures became the biggest talking point in cricket circles.
England’s collapse spoils Michael Vaughan’s predictions
Before the second day, the former England captain michael vaughn predicted with full confidence ben stokes‘A spirited clash on the opening day will set the stage for England to take control of the match. Stokes’ late strikes actually swung the momentum back in England’s favour, prompting Vaughan to write on X (formerly Twitter): “Was that the most dramatic first day ever? I think it was… What the second day is going to bring… My prediction is that England will bat all day and be in complete control till the end.”
Instead, England collapsed spectacularly. Despite taking a lead of 40 runs in their second innings, Stokes’ team lasted just one and a half sessions on the second day, being bowled out for 164 as Australia’s fast bowlers continuously attacked the stumps. The visitors failed to build partnerships and their middle order collapsed before it could settle down.
Travis Head’s fireworks achieved the goal in style
Faced with a modest target of 205, Australia wasted little time in establishing their dominance. Head counter-attacked, scoring 123 runs off just 83 balls – an innings of clean hitting and supreme confidence. His century quickly set the tone for the chase and Australia won with eight wickets to spare.
marnus labuschagne Remained unbeaten with a composed half-century, offering stability at the other end. The pair ensured that England, who were hoping to take the chase further in the final session, had no chance to fight back.
Ravichandran Ashwin teased Vaughan after England’s defeat
As the match ended dramatically ahead of schedule, there was immediate reaction on social media – and one of the sharpest reactions came from the Indian off-spinner Ravichandran AshwinViewing Vaughan’s bold prediction as disastrous, Ashwin posted a cheeky tirade targeting the former England captain,
Referring to Vaughan’s claim that England would be in ‘complete control’ by the end of the second day, Ashwin wrote on X: “‘Complete Control’ Full of Doubts🤓”
“Complete control” full of doubts. https://t.co/8I6auktBxc
– Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) 22 November 2025
The light-hearted joke immediately went viral among fans, many of whom were delighted by the contrast between Vaughan’s confidence and the reality of England’s collapse.
