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The latest chapter in the historic Australia vs England rivalry has just delivered a stunning twist. As of today, November 22, 2025, the cricketing world is reacting to a lightning-fast conclusion to the first Ashes Test in Perth.
Here is a comprehensive article detailing the breaking news, match highlights, and what lies ahead for the series.
Ashes Shock: Australia Crushes England in Two Days to Claim 1st Test
PERTH — The 2025/26 Ashes series has exploded into life with a ruthless display of dominance from Australia. In a match that defied all scheduling predictions, the hosts secured an emphatic 8-wicket victory over England at Optus Stadium, wrapping up the contest inside just two days.
The Breaking News: 1st Test Summary
- Winner: Australia (Lead series 1-0)
- Venue: Optus Stadium, Perth
- Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc / Travis Head (Notable performances)
- Key Narrative: Despite missing captain Pat Cummins and pacer Josh Hazlewood, a new-look Australian attack dismantled England, while Travis Head’s aggressive batting shattered the visitors’ hopes.
Match Highlights: How it Unfolded
1. England’s Batting Collapse
England’s “Bazball” approach faced a harsh reality check on the fast, bouncy Perth deck. After being sent in, the visitors were skittled for a meager 172 in their first innings.
- The Destroyer: Mitchell Starc, spearheading the attack in Cummins’ absence, was lethal, tearing through the top order.
- The Support: Debutant pacer Brendon Doggett made an immediate impact, justifying his selection with key wickets that kept England from building any partnerships.
2. Travis Head’s Counter-Punch
Australia’s response was defined by one man: Travis Head. continuing his golden run of form from the white-ball series earlier in 2024, Head blasted a magnificent century (123 off 83 balls).
- His innings completely flipped the momentum, taking the game away from England in a single session.
- While the top order wobbled slightly against England’s seamers, Head’s aggression ensured Australia secured a decisive first-innings lead.
3. The Swift Conclusion
England’s second innings fared little better. Facing a significant deficit, they crumbled under relentless pressure from the Australian seamers on Day 2. Australia chased down the small target with ease, losing only two wickets to seal the match before the sun had even set on the second day.
Ashes Shock: Series Context & Talking Points
Ashes Shock: Australia’s Depth on Display
The biggest talking point leading into Perth was the absence of captain Pat Cummins (injury) and Josh Hazlewood.11 Stand-in captain Steve Smith marshaled his troops expertly. The performance of debutants like Jake Weatherald (opener) and Brendon Doggett (bowler) proves that Australia’s depth remains the envy of the cricketing world.
Ashes Shock: England Under Pressure
For Ben Stokes and England, this is a nightmare start. The questions surrounding their ability to adapt “Bazball” to Australian conditions have resurfaced immediately. Their inability to occupy the crease or withstand sustained pace will be the primary concern heading into the Day-Night Test.
Ashes Shock: Recent Form Guide (The Lead-Up)
This result follows a competitive white-ball tour in September 2024, which set the stage for this rivalry:
- ODI Series (Sept 2024): Australia won 3-2, with Travis Head being the Player of the Series.
- T20 Series (Sept 2024): Drawn 1-1 (3rd match abandoned).
The trend is clear: Australia has held the upper hand in crucial moments for the last 18 months, and that psychological edge was evident in Perth.
Ashes Shock: What’s Next? The Road Ahead
England has less than two weeks to regroup before the series moves to Brisbane—a venue historically hostile to touring English sides.
Upcoming Ashes Fixtures:
- 2nd Test (Day/Night): The Gabba, Brisbane | Dec 4 – 8, 2025
- 3rd Test: Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | Dec 17 – 21, 2025
- 4th Test (Boxing Day): MCG, Melbourne | Dec 26 – 30, 2025
- 5th Test (Pink Test): SCG, Sydney | Jan 4 – 8, 2026
Ashes Shock: Next Step for You
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