AUS vs ENG Highlights, 1st Ashes Test Day 2: Travis Head's 123 powers Australia to 8-wicket win over England; first two-day Ashes since 1921

How do England recover from this demoralizing defeat? While they will face deserved criticism for being too one-dimensional with the bat, suggesting the lack of preparation is the answer misses the point. The brutal truth is that Australia, through players like Travis Head, who picked his moments perfectly, executed 'Bazball' better than the inventors themselves. And with Australia's bowling heavyweights set to return ahead in the series, the pressure will be rightly on the visitors. Okay then, Australia go 1-0 up in The Ashes 2025/26 and now, both teams will head to Brisbane for the second Test. It will be a Pink Ball Test, and historically, Australia have won 12 out of the 13 Day-Night Tests played on home soil. The one that they lost was against West Indies, at the Gabba. It will be interesting to see how England will bounce back in that game. It will be played on Thursday, 4th December, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 4 am GMT. Until then, you can switch tabs and enjoy the live coverage of the second Test between India and South Africa in Guwahati. But from this matchcenter, we sign off, only to meet again. Stay safe. Cheers!

The victorious captain of Australia, Steve Smith, begins by stating that it was an incredible day and provided a good start for Australia in The Ashes. He praises Travis Head’s innings as out of the world. He reveals a key tactical decision made during the Tea break. Shares that Head said that he wanted to open and the team allowed him to do. Smith also shares that the pitch was almost at its best for bowling, and Head played very smartly, finding the gaps and toying with the bowling attack. He adds that Marnus Labuschagne also batted really well. Shifting to the bowling, Smith calls Starc's seven-wicket haul in the first innings unbelievable. He compliments the entire attack, specifically mentioning Scott Boland's brilliant bowling performance in the second innings, also noting that Brendan Doggett got Brook out in the first innings when he was playing nicely. On Starc, he further adds that with two of the Big 3 out, he massively stepped up as the senior pro. Highlights that even in the first innings, he was simply brilliant with the ball wobbling around. Appreciates everyone for backing him up nicely. Notes that chasing 200, you want to settle the nerves early and that partnership between Weatherald and Head did exactly that. Hopes that Cummins is available for the second Test, as he is an absolute weapon with the ball and arguably the best bowler in the world. Smith concludes by saying that the team has a couple of weeks to assess the next steps for the Pink Ball Test.

England captain Ben Stokes walks to chat and reflects on the defeat. Stokes says that he is a bit shell-shocked but praises Head and calls his hundred as a phenomenal one. Adds that guys who tried to take on the bowlers got success on this wicket. Says that Head got the wind out of them, and they tried three or four different plans, but nothing worked. Mentions that the way they bowled yesterday was exceptional, a lot happened on Day 1, and it was good for the bowlers. Says that it is a tough loss as they thought they were in control. Ends by saying that they have a good break before Brisbane and will look to come back stronger.

Australia's Mitchell Starc is adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his 10-fer in the match. He took a 7-wicket haul in the first innings, and backed it up by taking 3 wickets in the second innings. He cannot hide his smile and appreciates the way Travis Head took the game away from England and came up trumps. Says this was a helter-skelter in the two days. Expresses his joy as he appreciates Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett. Shares that he was pretty calm the whole week coming into this game and that this was the first time he didn't have Cummins and Hazlewood to partner him. But appreciates the way Boland has been for the side as well. He says that he was the old head in the group but didn't change his role at all and that it's been the same for nearly 15 years. 

... THE PRESENTATION ...

Needing 205 runs at a venue where chases historically died, Australia found an unlikely blessing in disguise. An injured Khawaja meant Travis Head opened the innings. Head just tore the heart out of the English attack mercilessly. While Jake Weatherald's bright start was cut short by Carse, Head simply didn't flinch, taking the sting clean out of the bowling. His breezy fifty kicked off an absolute carnage that left the Bazballers shellshocked. Head walked past records and straight into history, delivering a knock so dominant it felt less like a live match and more like watching a highlight reel on repeat. He was ably supported by Marnus Labuschagne, who himself was in desperate need of runs and capped it off with a stylish fifty of his own.

As quiet as the first session was, the afternoon was equally feverish. With Pope and Duckett settled nicely, England were on course for a big lead. But then came the big three drives off similar lengths. Pope, Root, and Brook - all gone within the blink of an eye, playing loose shots. Boland was the instigator of that collapse, with Starc chipping in as well. England lost 5 for 23, slipping from 65/1 to 88/6.  After the controversial and highly debated dismissal of Jamie Smith sparked uproar, England's lower order launched a courageous counterattack. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse showed remarkable defiance, forging a breezy, game-changing 50-plus partnership that wrestled the momentum back and rescued England from the brink. But the resistance ended as Boland and Doggett wrapped up the tail.  

Coming into the second day, the morning skirmish saw Australia's tailenders, Doggett and Lyon, hang tough for 30 minutes before finally conceding a 40-run lead to England. The pitch was immediately alive under cloudy skies, with the ball swinging just enough for Mitchell Starc to do what he does best. He produced a brilliant return catch to take out Zak Crawley in his first over, extending his run as the Test match executioner. Yet, beyond that initial jolt, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope dug in with newfound discipline, weathering the swing to nudge the lead to a commanding 99 runs by Lunch.

A two-dayer is what it was. The first day was a pretty hectic one for the batters, because the bowlers were dictating terms and conditions. No doubt there was enough pace and bounce in the wicket, like a typical Perth track. But the recurring theme was questionable shot selections from both camps. England was bundled up from 160/5 to 172 all out, all thanks to Mitchell Starc's sensational spell of 7/58 - his best figures in Test cricket. Brendan Doggett had a memorable debut with a couple of wickets as well. The only bright sparks for England were Harry Brook's fifty and Ollie Pope's 46, but none of the others really extended their starts. When Australia came to bat, a similar theme followed. The top order was blown away by Archer and Carse's searing pace, but the real dent was caused by Ben Stokes' five-for, which reduced Australia to 123/9 at the end of the first day's play. Only three Aussie batters got to their 20s and gave it away.  

And here's the man of the moment, Travis Head, who is up for a chat with Isa Guha. Head says that it is seriously unbelievable. Adds that he hasn't processed yet what he has done out there. Mentions that it has been a hard two days, and calls England a serious outfit. Tells that Starc led them yesterday and they couldn't let his work go to waste. Says that it was the call of the coach and captain to send him to open and he was very keen to do it as well. Further adds that he could have easily got out in the first over, but it was the right process. Says that he has got out on 90s on a couple of occasions here and it was nice to get the hundred as this is a great place to bat. Mentions that he is not great at taking applause and tries to get out of the ground as quickly as possible but it was nice to see the crowd's appreciation. Ends by saying that it is a great start, they will celebrate but is also looking forward to Brisbane.

Dominance would be an understatement to describe this memorable chase from Australia, graced with Travis Head's historical centurion knock. One for the ages, truly. This is not just a win, it's a statement from the hosts as they have snatched it out of the hands of England. With the way the batters struggled on the opening day, it seemed like 205 is not that bad a target. But all the analysis and predictions of the cricketing pundits and experts were put to bed, once the bloke named Travis Head came out to open for Australia. This is the FIRST-EVER time that a target has been successfully chased at the Optus Stadium of Perth. 2 days is what it all took to get the result out of this first Ashes Test of this summer. Insane stuff.

Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, Steve Smith hits the winning runs! Brydon Carse lands this back of a length and around off, Smith stays back and punches it through covers for a single. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 8 WICKETS AND GO 1-0 UP!

Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, A bouncer but around leg, Steve Smith ducks under it.

Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, SIX! FIFTY FOR MARNUS! A fine knock from him and this should give him a lot of confidence going ahead in the series. Looped up, full and on middle. Marnus Labuschagne skips down the track again and smokes it over the long on fence for a biggie. SCORES LEVEL.

Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Flatter, full and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Flighted, full and on off, Marnus Labuschagne puts on the dancing shoes, gets to the pitch of it and lofts it away wide of Jofra Archer at mid off for a boundary. Australia just 7 runs away from the win now.

Joe Root to Steve Smith, Tossed up, full and on middle, Steve Smith drills it to mid on for a run.

Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, A bit short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne clips it towards square leg for a single.

The white flag falls from Stokes, it seems. Joe Root is brought into the attack now.

Joe Root to Marnus Labuschagne, Floated, short and around off, Marnus Labuschagne tries to cut it away but chops it down to the off side.

Brydon Carse to Steve Smith, A bouncer, outside off, Steve Smith lets it go.

The Aussie skipper, Steve Smith, makes his way to the crease at number 4.

Brydon Carse to Travis Head, OUT! IN THE AIR....TAKEN! The Travis Head show is over and he proves that he is a human after all. But he has put the Aussies on the brink of a historic victory. Brydon Carse serves this full, on middle and angling in. Head clears his front leg to slog across the line, but gets a bit of a top edge. The ball goes miles in the air towards deep square leg, where Ollie Pope runs a long way forward, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a good catch with a dive. Head gets a hug from Marnus Labuschagne on his way back, and walks off to a massive round of applause from the Perth crowd. He departs after playing one of the most memorable knocks in the history of this rivalry, by smashing 123 off 83, and Australia need just 13 runs to win now.

Right now, Travis Head has the bowlers completely mapped out. Short means pull, pitched means drive. But the way he has picked his gaps, he's reading the English bowling like an open book, and there is absolutely no way to stop him. And we might not even need the extra time as this is heading to a finish well within the allotted time.

Brydon Carse to Travis Head, FOUR! That sounded good! Brydon Carse bangs this into the pitch, on off. Travis Head drags his pull from outside off and thrashes it to the wide long on fence for a one-bounce four.

Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Back of a length and on middle, Travis Head backs away and punches it through coers for a couple of runs.

Brydon Carse to Travis Head, FOUR! There is no stopping Travis Head here! Brydon Carse hits the length hard and on middle and leg. Head picks it up off his hips and whacks it to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. Australia need just 19 runs to win now.

Brydon Carse to Travis Head, Short of a length and around middle, Travis Head pulls it to mid-wicket.

Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! 20 runs off the over! Gus Atkinson bangs this into the pitch and angles it into the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne once again moves to the leg side and swats it away down the ground to the long on fence for four more runs. 

Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Pitched up and on leg, Travis Head flicks it away to deep mid-wicket for one.

Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, WIDE! Another very high bouncer, on middle and leg, Travis Head lets it go. Called a wide.

Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR MORE! Short of a length and around off, Travis Head cuts it aerially and as soon as he hits it he shouts 'Oh... no, get over'. Brydon Carse is standing at a catching backward point and the ball just evades his outstretched hand to trickle away to the fence. This also brings up the 100-run partnership between Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.

Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, FOUR! Powered away! Hits the length hard and outside leg. Travis Head backs away early, hits through the line and thumps it past the bowler and to the long on fence for a boundary.

Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, WIDE! A bouncer, on middle, but too high, Travis Head leaves it alone. Wided. Australia need just 37 runs to win now.

Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and around middle, Marnus Labuschagne steps across and pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, FOUR! Gets it away! Short of a length and angling into the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne moves to the leg side to make room. Atkinson follows the batter but Marnus is one step ahead and swats it away with a flat bat to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Okay, folks. Get ready to be bombarded with a streak of records that Travis Head has walked past with that breezy century. Head is not only the joint-third fastest centurion for Australia in Tests, placed along with David Warner, but he is also the second-fastest centurion in the history of The Ashes, just behind Adam Gilchrist, who scored it in just 57 balls, over the river at the WACA in the 2006-07 summer.

Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and just outside off, Marnus Labuschagne sways away and upper cuts it. Does not time it that well and that saves him as the ball drops in front of the deep third man fielder. They cross.

Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Another bouncer, on middle and leg, Marnus Labuschagne ducks underneath it.

Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Bangs in a bouncer now at 139.7 kph, on midle, Marnus Labuschagne ducks under it.

Jofra Archer to Marnus Labuschagne, Jofra Archer follows the batter and bangs this into the pitch, down the leg side. Marnus Labuschagne backs away but lets it go to the keeper.

Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Slower delivery, on a length and on off, Travis Head steps across and guides it to third man for a single.

Jofra Archer to Travis Head, Pitched up and on middle, Travis Head tucks it to mid-wicket.

Interesting. Nathan Lyon is padded up in the Australian dressing room and if a wicket falls sooner, he might come in as the nightwatchman.

Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Fuller one and on middle, Travis Head steps across and flicks it right from the stumps to deep square leg for one. Australia need 45 runs to win now.

Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, Takes pace off again, hard length and around off, Travis Head shapes to heave it away but then tries to cut it. In the end, does neither and misses it.

Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Slower bumper now, on middle, Marnus Labuschagne waits for it and pulls it to deep square leg for another run.

Gus Atkinson to Travis Head, In the air..SAFE! It has been that kind of day for England with the ball. A bouncer, on middle, Travis Head tries to pull but gets a top edge. It goes in the air but lands safely in front of Joe Root, who runs in from deep mid-wicket. They cross.

Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Back of a length and on leg, Marnus Labuschagne backs away and flat-bats it towards extra cover for a single.

Gus Atkinson to Marnus Labuschagne, Short and on middle, Marnus Labuschagne pulls it in the gap between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket. The deep mid-wicket fielder dives to his right but fails to stop it, but Ben Duckett from deep square leg runs to his left and slides to keep it down to two runs.