Australia Crush England in Two Days for a Massive Ashes Victory

Australia produced a stunning performance to blow England away inside just two days, sealing a commanding eight-wicket win in the opening Test of the prestigious Ashes series.

England have recently earned attention for their aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach in Test cricket — but Australia turned that very tactic against them. Chasing a target of 205, Australia’s intent was clear from the start, with Travis Head unleashing absolute carnage on Day 2.

Head smashed a blistering 123 off just 83 balls. He brought up his century in only 69 deliveries, becoming the holder of the fastest fourth-innings century in Test cricket. His innings completely broke the game open and ensured Australia went 1–0 up in the five-match series.

The start of the match gave no indication that it would end so dramatically. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, England were bundled out for just 172 in their first innings. Australia fared no better, collapsing for only 132.

With a modest 40-run lead, England failed once again to find stability as they crumbled for 164 in their second innings. This left Australia needing 205 — a target that looked tricky given their earlier batting collapse. But Head’s whirlwind knock erased all doubts, guiding Australia home with eight wickets in hand. Marnus Labuschagne also contributed a half-century.

While Head stole the spotlight, the Australian bowlers deserve equal praise — especially Mitchell Starc. His fiery pace devastated England’s batting line-up, and he finished with 10 wickets across the two innings.

England were 65 for 1 at lunch, but what followed was an Australian demolition. In just 11 overs, England lost six wickets for 39 runs. Within a span of six balls, three star batters — Ollie Pope, Harry Brook, and Joe Root — fell without scoring, leaving England in ruins.

Head’s historic innings came on a day that saw another milestone: for the first time since 1921, an Ashes Test concluded inside two days.

The teams will meet again for the second Test, starting December 4 in Brisbane.