the Ashes 2025–26 | Australia Crush England by 8 Wickets in Perth | Full 1st Test Match Review & Expert Analysis | usman on cricket
The iconic Ashes 2025–26 series kicked off with a dramatic and historic Test match at the Optus Stadium, Perth, where Australia hammered England by 8 wickets, sealing victory inside just two days—the first two-day Ashes Test since 1890. This was a dominant start by the hosts, giving them a 1–0 lead in the five-match series. This was the 74th Ashes series between England and Australia, which started off with an entertaining 1st test match as Cricket Fans expected from this series.
In this comprehensive review at www.usmanoncricket.com, we dive deep into the scorecards, critical phases, player brilliance, tactical insights, and what this early result means for both teams.
Match Overview | 1st Test, Ashes 2025–26
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Australia vs England – 1st Test |
| Venue | Optus Stadium, Perth |
| Toss | England won & decided to bowl |
| Result | Australia won by 8 wickets |
| Series | Australia lead 1–0 |
| Player of the Match | Mitchell Starc (10 wickets in the match) |
Scorecards by Innings
England 1st Innings – 172 all out
| Player | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Harry Brook | 52 | 61 |
| Ollie Pope | 46 | 58 |
| Best Bowling (AUS) | Mitchell Starc – 7/58 | 12.5 overs |
Australia 1st Innings – 132 all out
| Player | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Carey | 26 | 26 |
| Best Bowling (ENG) | Ben Stokes – 5/23 | 6 overs |
England secured a 40-run lead.
England 2nd Innings – 164 all out
| Player | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Gus Atkinson | 37 | 32 |
| Best Bowling (AUS) | Scott Boland – 4/33 | 11.4 overs |
Australia 2nd Innings – 205/2 (Chased down target)
Key performances:
- Travis Head – 123 off 83 balls
- (Marnus Labuschagne) – 51 off 49 balls*
Australia completed a professional and ruthless chase with 8 wickets in hand.
Interesting Stats & Milestones
- First two-day Ashes Test since 1890
- Travis Head crossed 4,000 Test runs
- Record crowd: Over 51,000 spectators attended the match—the highest ever for a Test at Optus Stadium
- Mitchell Starc:
- First-ever 10-wicket haul at Optus Stadium in an Ashes Test
- Completed 100 Ashes wickets
These achievements highlight how historically significant this Test match was.
Key Moments That Changed the Match
1. England’s Unsteady Start – 172 all out
Even though Harry Brook looked confident with a fluent 52, England couldn’t capitalize. Australia’s bowlers exploited bounce and seam movement, especially with Starc’s extraordinary spell.
2. Australia Collapse – 132 all out
England’s bowlers, led by Ben Stokes’ fiery 5/23, briefly put England on top. Australia’s batting lacked early rhythm and fell cheaply, giving England a 40-run cushion.
But this cushion evaporated rapidly…
3. England’s Afternoon Meltdown – 6 for 39 Post-Lunch
The biggest turning point.
As highlighted by The Guardian, England collapsed dramatically in the second innings after lunch—once 112/4, they crumbled to 164 all out.
The collapse:
- Poor shot selection
- Trouble against rising bounce
- Starc & Boland exploiting conditions perfectly
This phase decided the match.
4. Travis Head’s Explosive 123 – Chase Turned into a T20 Mode
Promoted up the order due to injury, Travis Head played one of the most memorable Ashes knocks of modern times.
- Reached 100 in 69 balls
- Struck 12 fours & 4 sixes
- Neutralized England’s attack instantly
Australia’s aggressive response resembled their own version of Bazball, but more effective.
5. Starc’s Match-Winning 10 Wickets
Starc destroyed England’s top order in both innings.
His ability to swing the ball at speeds over 145 km/h made him unplayable.
This was a world-class, series-defining spell.
Tactical Analysis – What Really Happened
Pitch & Conditions
Perth’s Optus Stadium is known for:
- High bounce
- Extra pace
- Assistance for fast bowlers
England misread the conditions. Although bowling first made sense, their batting wasn’t prepared for the pace and bounce.
England’s Repeated Batting Failure
- No partnerships beyond 40–50 runs
- Inability to negotiate post-lunch spells
- Bazball mentality not matched with shot discipline
The collapse in the second innings was tactical and mental.
Australia’s Strategic Brilliance
- Attacked at the right times
- Used Head as an aggressive opener
- Seamers hit consistent lengths
- Field placements matched England’s weaknesses
Australia responded to Bazball with an even stronger aggressive template.
Player Highlights
Travis Head (AUS)
- One of his finest Ashes innings
- Controlled aggression
- Match-winning ton
Mitchell Starc (AUS)
- Phenomenal 10 wickets
- Broke the game twice
- Completed 100 Ashes wickets (historic feat)
Scott Boland (AUS)
- 4/33 in crucial 2nd innings spell
- Perfect support for Starc
England’s Batting Unit
- Underperformed
- Only Harry Brook looked in control
- Lack of adaptability cost them the match
What This Means for the Series
For England:
- Must rethink batting approach in Australia
- Need more discipline against high-bounce pitches
- Confidence dented heavily ahead of the 2nd Test
For Australia:
- Dream start
- Confidence high
- Their bowlers look lethal
- Batting unit appears stable and fearless
The psychological advantage now leans heavily toward Australia.
FAQs – Ashes 2025–26 1st Test
Why did the match finish in two days?
Due to extreme batting collapses from both sides, but mainly England. Bowlers dominated with pace, bounce, and aggressive strategies.
Who was the standout performer?
Mitchell Starc with 10 wickets and Travis Head with a blistering 123.
Was the pitch too difficult to bat on?
Challenging but not unplayable. Australia proved batting was possible with discipline and aggression.
What was England’s biggest mistake?
Lack of adaptability and poor shot selection, especially in the second innings.
How big is this win for Australia’s Ashes campaign?
Huge—dominating early puts massive pressure on England, especially away from home.
What’s next in the series?
England will need major adjustments ahead of the 2nd Test. Australia aim to extend their lead
Conclusion | A Statement Win for Australia
The 1st Test of the Ashes 2025–26 was more than just a victory—it was a statement of intent from Australia.
Their bowlers dominated, Travis Head dazzled with one of the most counter-attacking innings in Ashes history, and England simply couldn’t match the intensity.
Australia now leads 1–0, holding full momentum.
Who’s your pick for the next Test—Australia or England? Comment below!
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