Perth:Cricket Australia (CA) is staring at a significant financial setback after the opening Ashes Test in Perth wrapped up in just two days, costing the board millions in potential ticket revenue. The rapid finish, driven by Travis Head’s extraordinary Ashes masterclass and England’s high-risk Bazball approach, has turned what should have been a four- or five-day blockbuster into a financial headache.
CA is estimated to lose more than AU$3 million in ticket sales alone from days three and four, both of which were expected to draw massive crowds. Day three was almost fully sold out before the match ended prematurely late on Saturday.
Despite the financial blow, the match still attracted a record 101,514 spectators—51,531 on day one and 49,983 on day two—surpassing last year’s Perth Test attendance record of 96,463 when India toured. But the early finish has left fans and administrators frustrated.
Speaking after his match-defining innings, Head expressed sympathy for fans who had purchased tickets for day three.
“Feel sorry for the people that can’t come tomorrow. I think it was a full house again,” he said.
Before Australia’s first innings even concluded, CA chief executive Todd Greenberg admitted he was anxious about the match not lasting long enough to meet commercial expectations.
“It’s difficult for a number of different groups,” Greenberg told SEN.
“Broadcasters, certainly us with ticket sales, and our partners and sponsors. There’s a big economic impact on a match finishing early.”
The early finish comes at a time when CA is already under financial scrutiny. At its annual general meeting last month, CA reported a loss of AU$11.3 million, prompting sharp criticism from Cricket Victoria chair Ross Hepburn. The loss was recorded despite a lucrative summer that included India’s five-Test tour.
CA chair Mike Baird defended the numbers, explaining that the scheduling of white-ball matches into the next financial year distorted the balance sheet.
He insisted that the upcoming year would represent a dramatic financial turnaround, calling it a potential “record year in cricket”, driven by unprecedented attendance, sponsorship, and viewership.
Despite the financial sting, broadcasters enjoyed booming numbers. Foxtel reported its coverage of day one as the most-watched opening day of a first Test in the network’s history, while Seven Network also registered strong ratings.
While the cricket action delivered fireworks, the abrupt conclusion has highlighted the unpredictable financial risks of modern Test cricket—especially when explosive batting styles and dominant performances shrink what should be a five-day spectacle into just two.
