Ashes 2025-26: Travis Head leads Australia to crushing win in first Test

The decision to lift the order will go down as one of the Ashes’ greatest tactical moves.

Faced with having to replace Khawaja, just as they did in the first innings, Australia knew the best plan on a difficult Perth pitch was to attack. The left-handed header, who had opened in the past, was moved from the fifth position with license to play his natural game.

The result was exciting and, even at this early stage, could define the series. Head stepped up to England’s bowling, bringing on debutant Jake Weatherald along for the ride.

Retract the head from the ball and sickle the ball through the out side. One of his six hits, a slash at third man off Kars, was outrageous. England lost their line, and somehow failed to locate the stumps or head carcass.

Weatherald, who turned over after being caught behind Jofra Archer in the seventh over, miscued Cars to end the opening stand of 75, but it could not halt Australia’s momentum.

Marnus Labuschagne slipped easily into the Head’s current, which was now unstoppable. He hits Archer baseball style again over the head for another maximum.

The only faster Ashes century, a 57-ball one, was made by Adam Gilchrist in this city – across the Swan River at Waka 19 years ago. Given the context, this tour could well have been bettered in terms of quality, and Perth Stadium rightly rose to cheer Australia’s stunning goal in the match.

By the time Head skated Carse down the leg side, only 13 runs were needed. He left to a standing ovation, a lasting image from one of the Ashes’ most remarkable Tests.