Travis Head’s 69-Ball Ton Sinks England in Dramatic Perth Test Victory

PERTH— Australia claimed a sensational eight-wicket victory in the first Test against England at Perth Stadium, catalyzed by an iconic, counter-attacking century from stand-in opener Travis Head.

On a drama-filled Day Two, Australia was set a target of 205 runs to win after bowling England out for 164. However, the chase began with immediate adversity when opener Usman Khawaja was ruled out with a flare-up of a back injury sustained while attempting a catch at first slip.

In an inspired decision, Travis Head was sent out to open with Jake Weatherald, and the left-hander instantly took the game away from England. Head and Weatherald combined for a crucial 75-run opening stand before Weatherald departed for 23.

Head’s momentum, however, was unstoppable. He attacked the bowling aggressively, hitting England captain Ben Stokes for 17 runs off a single over. Head brought up his century off just 69 balls, prompting commentator Mark Howard to call it “One of the great Ashes hundreds.”

Head’s relentless 123 run performance helped drag Marnus Labuschagne back into form at the other end. The carnage finally ended when Head was caught near the boundary by Ollie Pope. With cheers sounding across the stadium, a smiling Pat Cummins watched from the dressing room as Head departed, leaving an unforgettable mark on the match.

Labuschagne finished 51 not out, and stand-in captain Steve Smith hit the winning runs with a drive through cover, delivering the unlikely victory with an eight-wicket margin.

England’s second innings was defined by a critical partnership and a contentious dismissal.

While a crucial 50-run partnership between Brydon Carse (20) and Gus Atkinson (37) added respectability to the score, the biggest talking point was the dismissal of Jamie Smith.

Smith was initially given not out off Brendan Doggett’s bowling, but an Australian review lasted over four minutes. Despite apparent technical delays, a spike on the Ultra Edge was eventually ruled conclusive, overturning the decision. Smith had complicated the matter by starting to walk when the spike first appeared.

England was eventually bowled out for 164, with Scott Boland claiming the best figures of 4-33, supported by Mitchell Starc and Doggett, who took three wickets each.