The 2025-26 Ashes series began with a thunderous statement from Australia as they dismantled England by 8 wickets at Perth's Optus Stadium on November 22, 2025. The match, which concluded in a mere two days, marks the first Ashes Test to end so quickly since the opening contest of the 1921 series, and the shortest by balls bowled since 1888.

Mitchell Starc delivered a masterclass in fast bowling that will be remembered for years to come. The left-arm paceman tore through England's batting lineup in the first innings, claiming 7 wickets for just 58 runs, his best figures in Test cricket. He continued his dominance in the second innings with 3/55, finishing the match with 10 wickets and cementing his status as one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket. The performance also saw Starc reach a significant milestone, completing 200 wickets in the World Test Championship.

England's batting woes were on full display throughout the contest. The visitors managed only 172 runs in their first innings before being bowled out for a paltry 164 in their second attempt. The inability to build partnerships and counter the hostile Australian pace attack exposed the fragility that has plagued English cricket in recent Ashes campaigns Down Under.

While Australia's first innings of 132 runs suggested the contest might be evenly poised, the hosts' second innings proved otherwise. Travis Head produced one of the most electrifying performances in Ashes history, smashing an unbeaten century off just 69 balls. His knock ranks as the second-fastest hundred in Ashes history, a breathtaking display of controlled aggression that left England's bowlers with no answers.

Head's innings epitomized Australia's fearless approach at home. Rather than grinding out a patient chase, the aggressive left-hander took the attack to England, dispatching boundaries with remarkable frequency and ensuring the hosts reached their target of 205 with two wickets to spare.

The comprehensive nature of Australia's victory sends a clear message ahead of the remaining four Tests. The home side's pace battery, led by Starc, appears in ominous form, while their batting lineup possesses match-winners capable of turning contests in a single session.

For England, the defeat represents a familiar nightmare. The tourists have historically struggled in Australian conditions, and this opening loss will do little to ease concerns about their ability to compete in the series. Questions will be asked about their batting depth and whether they possess the quality to trouble Australia on pace-friendly wickets.

The result gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Adelaide next week. England face the daunting task of regrouping quickly if they are to prevent another Ashes whitewash on Australian soil.

As cricket fans digest the events of this historic two-day Test, one thing is certain: Australia has fired the opening salvo in emphatic fashion, and England face an uphill battle to salvage pride in what promises to be a challenging summer tour.