Perth: Australia launched the 2025 Ashes series in sensational fashion, storming to an eight-wicket victory over England in Perth after wrapping up the opening Test inside two extraordinary days.
Travis Head was the hero of the night, blasting a breathtaking 123 — the fastest fourth-innings century ever in Test cricket — as Australia mowed down England’s target of 205 in just 28.2 overs. While jubilant, Head admitted he felt for the 60,000 fans who purchased Day 3 tickets, only to see the match end far earlier than expected.
“I almost feel sorry for the 60,000 people who bought tickets for tomorrow,” Head said after sealing the win with two days to spare. “The emotions are pretty high… To be able to contribute like that, it feels pretty special.”
Head revealed that his unexpected elevation to open the innings came after a brief tactical discussion before Australia began their chase.
“About two years ago!” he joked when asked when the decision was made. “Honestly, it was thrown around today. We knew what England’s short-ball plans would be. Patty (Cummins), the coaches, and a few senior boys tossed up a couple of ideas. I was happy to put my hand up.”
The call, he says, was a collective one.
“It was a bit of everyone. Could’ve been Marnus opening too. The thinking was simple: get out there, trust the plan, back ourselves. And today, it paid off.”
England’s fast bowlers came hard with aggressive short-pitched bowling, but Head counterpunched with fearless strokeplay, repeatedly using the breeze to his advantage.
“We knew the short stuff was coming. My plan was to play with the wind, free up some room, and pull when it was there. I wasn’t sure how it would unfold, but today it clicked.”
Despite dominating the chase, he insisted he never had a century in mind.
“No chance. The wicket looked nasty at times yesterday. I’ve fallen in the 90s here before… so getting that hundred on a pitch that can get pretty spicy means a lot.”
When the crowd erupted as he reached his hundred, he admitted he barely knew how to soak it in.
“I’m not great at taking it all in. I usually just want to get off the field. Probably missed a few claps! But that reception… I’m very lucky. Even luckier that we won.”
Wrapping up the match before Day 3 could even commence has set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling Ashes series.
“It’s always nice to start well,” Head said. “And with how this one played out, Brisbane’s going to be something else.”
