Australia kicked off their Ashes 2025-26 campaign with a spectacular eight-wicket win over England, as Travis Head turned the first Test into a one-man show at the Optus Stadium in Perth. With Usman Khawaja sidelined due to a minor injury, Travis Head got the chance to grab all the limelight.
Chasing a tricky 225-run target on the tough Perth surface, Head opened the innings alongside debutant Jake Weatherald, while Marnus Labuschagne was held back at number three. The left-handed batter started carefully, taking a few overs to adjust to the pitch and bounce.
Travis Head steals the show as Australia crush England in Ashes 2025-26 opener
Once Head settled, he took charge, hitting every loose ball and handling short deliveries with ease. Weatherald (23) supported him well, and together they added a brilliant 75-run opening partnership. After that, Head punished the England bowlers, reaching his fifty off just 36 balls.
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Head smashed his way to a brilliant 123, completing a century off only 69 balls. He also stitched a remarkable and unbeaten 117-run partnership with Labuschagne, who also hit a stunning fifty as Australia chased down the target on Day 2 to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.
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After Australia’s dominating victory in the first Ashes Test against England, Head has shared an interesting backstory behind his incredible knock. While Head opening with Weatherald in Perth surprised many, this plan wasn’t made suddenly.
The swashbuckling batter revealed that Marnus Labuschagne was also considered for the role, but the team trusted him to handle England’s short-ball strategy. He said that it was the decision they had discussed many times and worked perfectly for them in Perth.
Travis Head reveals how opening role came together in the Ashes opener
Travis Head said at the post-match presentation, “About two years ago! (laughs) Nah, honestly, I was happy to do it. It doesn’t bother me too much. We’d spoken about it—we know what England’s short-ball plans look like; we saw plenty of it in 2023. The coaching staff and Patty (Pat Cummins) had a few ideas, and this was one of them. Nice that it worked out today.”
The star batter said that it was a collective call taken by the head coach, Andrew McDonald, captain Pat Cummins, and senior players like Steve Smith.
Head further explained, “Bit of everyone—coach (Andrew McDonald), captain, a few senior players. A couple of options were thrown around the room. I was keen, and there was support for it. It could’ve easily been Marnus facing the first over too. But the thinking was right: get out there, trust the plans, and see what happens. And today it paid off.”
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Travis Head hails his Perth knock as one of his best
At the end, Head has ranked his Perth innings among his best, and he was happy to be able to give Australia a perfect start to the Ashes series. However, the 31-year-old batter has joked that it must be disappointing for the 60,000 fans expecting another day of action in Perth.
He signed off by saying, “Yesterday wasn’t a great day for us; today was a bit rocky at times… So to come away with a win like this, inside two days, is massive. I almost feel sorry for the 60,000 people who bought tickets for tomorrow.”
