In one of the most astonishingly rapid Ashes Tests in history, Australia secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over England at Optus Stadium. The chase, led by a blistering innings from makeshift opener Travis Head, saw the hosts hunt down a target of 205 runs in just 28.2 overs, setting multiple records in the process.
The match wrapped up inside two days—the first Ashes Test to do so since 1921—but the headlines belong solely to the attacking masterpiece unleashed by Head.
Promoted to open the innings due to an injury to Usman Khawaja, Head completely neutralized England’s bowling attack with an innings that was equal parts fearless and clinical.
World Record Century: Head brought up his century off just 69 balls, making it the fastest fourth-innings Test century in history. This sensational effort shattered the long-standing 123-year-old record held by England’s Gilbert Jessop (76 balls against Australia in 1902).
Highest Strike Rate in a Chase: He finished on a devastating 123 runs off 83 balls, scoring at an incredible strike rate of 148.19. This is the highest strike rate ever achieved by a centurion in a successful Test run chase, surpassing Jonny Bairstow’s 2022 record.
Record Run-Rate: Australia’s overall run rate in the chase was an unheard-of 7.23 runs per over, the highest ever in a fourth-innings target of 200 runs or more.
“Wow, what a couple of days. It’s been unbelievable,” Head said after the match, which was also set up by a stellar 10-wicket match haul from quick Mitchell Starc.
The emphatic Australian victory, coupled with the lightning-fast run chase, exposed the fragility of England’s batting line-up, which collapsed for just 164 in their second innings, thanks in part to a lethal four-wicket burst from Scott Boland.
England captain Ben Stokes admitted the team was “a little bit shell-shocked” by the sudden swing in momentum and Head’s relentless assault, which effectively reversed the “Bazball” philosophy back onto the tourists.
Marnus Labuschagne provided valuable support with an unbeaten 51 off 49 balls, but the first Ashes Test of the series will forever be remembered as the moment “Trav-Ball” rewrote the record books.
