England's quest to reclaim the Ashes urn in Australia has suffered a devastating and historic blow, with the tourists collapsing to a heavy eight-wicket defeat inside just two days in a frantic series opener at Perth Stadium.
A Manic Two-Day Collapse
The match, which became the shortest Ashes Test to produce a result since 1888, was a rollercoaster of momentum swings that ultimately saw Australia seize control. The home side's victory was built on two monumental individual performances.
Mitchell Starc was devastating with the ball, claiming a magnificent 10-wicket haul that dismantled the English batting lineup. With the bat, makeshift opener Travis Head played what stand-in captain Steve Smith described as "one of the great Ashes knocks," smashing a match-winning century. Head's brilliant 123 runs came from just 83 balls, an innings that took the game away from England in a blistering display of power-hitting.
The Uphill Battle Ahead: Full Ashes Schedule
With the first Test concluded in stunning fashion, the focus shifts to the remainder of the series. England, now licking their wounds, face a formidable challenge to turn their campaign around.
The action moves to The Gabba in Brisbane for the second Test, beginning on 4 December. This will be a day-night encounter, a format where Australia's Mitchell Starc is notoriously effective, making the hosts strong favourites.
The full schedule for the remaining Tests is as follows:
- Third Test: Adelaide Oval, 17-21 December (starting 12am GMT)
- Fourth Test (Boxing Day): MCG, Melbourne, 26-30 December (starting 11.30pm GMT on 25 December)
- Fifth Test: SCG, Sydney, 4-8 January (starting 11.30pm GMT on 3 January)
For fans following from the UK, the time zones present a significant challenge, with most play occurring overnight. The day-night Test in Brisbane, starting at 4.30am GMT, will be the most accessible for British viewers.
Squads and the Road to Redemption
England, captained by Ben Stokes, must now find a way to tame Australia's formidable bowling attack and rally their squad. The Australian team, led by Pat Cummins with Steve Smith as vice-captain, looks formidable, boasting a blend of experienced campaigners and in-form players like the heroic Head and Starc.
As the teams travel to Brisbane, the pressure is firmly on the tourists to mount a response and keep their hopes of a first Ashes series win in Australia since 2010 alive.
