Australian batsman Travis Head scored a match-winning century against England on a challenging surface during the opening match of the Ashes 2025-26 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. However, Head responded after stand-in captain Steve Smith said that the conditions for batting had become easier for batting towards the end of the day.
Travis Head scored 123 off 83 balls to help Australia chase the target of 205 in Perth on Saturday, 22 November. He opened in place of injured Usman Khawaja and scored the fastest century ever in the fourth innings. The home team completed the chase in just 28.2 overs and won within two days.
The wicket is getting better at the end of the second day – Steve Smith
Travis Head’s devastating innings was not the only entertainment Australia provided in Perth. After dismantling the England attack, Head took the same energy to the post-match press conference, repeatedly interrupting Steve Smith and leaving the media room in laughter.
A journalist asked Smith whether Head’s innings was one of the great Ashes innings. Before his captain could respond, Head jokingly said, “No, not that. Not even close,” causing Smith and the reporters to immediately laugh.
Smith later noted that it became easier to bat late on the second day. Head interrupted again with a cheeky smile. Smith immediately responded, “You played well, buddy.”
“The wicket gets better towards the end of the second day. It was probably at its best for the game late this evening,” Smith said when asked about the surface.
Travis Head’s record-breaking strike leads Australia to victory
Travis Head started cautiously and scored just 3 runs from his first 14 balls. He scored 97 runs in his next 55 balls. The left-handed batsman completed his century in just 69 balls, which is the fastest fourth innings century in Test history.
He hit 16 fours and 4 sixes against the England attack including Jofra Archer. England could only manage 164 runs in their second innings on a surface where 19 wickets had fallen on the first day, and had no answers as Head made the contest one-sided.
Head was eventually out for 123 off 83 balls, leaving Australia just 13 runs away from victory. Marnus Labuschagne remained unbeaten on 51 off 49 balls before Steven Smith completed the chase. Australia won within two days by scoring 205 runs in just 28.2 overs.
Australia take 1-0 Ashes lead after Travis Head’s masterclass in Perth
Australia’s bowlers had established the rhythm in the beginning of the match. Mitchell Starc took the first 10-wicket haul by an Australian in the Ashes in 34 years. Scott Boland took four wickets, while debutant Brendan Doggett took five wickets in both innings.
England were in control during their second innings and had increased their lead to 95 with Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope at the crease. However, they lost nine wickets for only 105 runs, including a dramatic collapse from 76 for 2 to 76 for 5 within five balls.
Gus Atkinson (37) helped England finish out for 164, leaving Australia a target of 205. Australia completed the chase with ease and took a 1-0 lead in the Ashes. Both teams are now focusing on the pink ball Test starting in Brisbane from December 4.
Also read: Loss to Australia! Josh Hazlewood ruled out of entire Ashes 2025-26 against England
