Starc's Devastating Spell Sets Up Dramatic Australian Victory
In a breathtaking display of fast bowling, Mitchell Starc produced a match-defining performance, claiming 7 wickets for 58 runs in England's first innings, setting the stage for a remarkable Australian victory in the first Ashes Test at Perth's Optus Stadium. The match, astonishingly concluded inside just two days, saw the home side secure an eight-wicket win after England collapsed dramatically on the second day.
Head's Blistering Century Seals the Deal
While Starc ripped through the English batting line-up, it was Travis Head who fittingly finished the job with a spectacular innings of 123 runs from just 83 balls. Promoted to open the batting following an injury to Usman Khawaja, Head's aggressive century guided Australia to the winning target with immense support from Marnus Labuschagne, who remained 51 not out. Head was dismissed by Brydon Carse, who finished with 2-44, just before the victory was sealed, but the damage had already been done.
Despite his own heroics, Head was quick to deflect praise onto his teammate during his post-match interview with TNT Sports. "Good start. They're a seriously good outfit and we couldn't let Starc-y getting 7-58 slip," Head stated, highlighting the significance of the fast bowler's contribution. "First game of the series to set the tone."
A Swift and Stunning Turnaround
The victory represented a stunning turnaround for Australia. England had enjoyed the better of the opening day and were still in a commanding position at lunch on day two. However, the session after lunch saw a complete shift in momentum, with Australia's bowlers, led by the player-of-the-match Starc, triggering an English collapse before the batsmen chased down the target with aggressive intent.
Reflecting on his whirlwind innings, Head admitted he had not yet fully processed it. "No. Not even close," he confessed. He also shared his thoughts on his new role as opener, a decision made by the team's coach and captain. "I was happy to do it, it doesn't bother me too much... I was pretty keen to do it. Quite easily could have been out in the first over, didn't really matter it was the right process."
With the first match of the five-test series wrapped up so swiftly, Head acknowledged the fans who would miss the scheduled play, joking, "I feel sorry for the 60,000 who were due to come tomorrow." Looking ahead, he signalled a thrilling contest is in store, adding, "We're 1-0 up, we're going to Brisbane. If that's anything to go by it's going to be a hell of a series."
