The first Test of Ashes 2025-26 got over in a jiffy on Saturday, as Australia beat England by eight wickets to kick off the home series on a high.
It took just two days to complete the game as only once out of the four innings, the 200-run mark was breached. Over two innings, England lasted just 67 overs -- the least number of over they have survived in an Ashes Test. On a lively Perth track, England scored 172 in the first innings and were bowled out for 164 in the second.
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For the first time in 104 years, an Ashes Test match was completed within the first two days. Also, this was only the 26th Test match in history to get over in two days.
Bowlers dominated Day 1
Day 1 of the Perth Test match belonged to the bowlers as 19 wickets fell in the day. It started with Mitchell Starc scalping seven wickets, his career best bowling figures in an innings, as England were bundled out for 172 runs.
Australian batters struggled miserably as English bowlers, led by captain Ben Stokes, ran riot on the fiery Perth pitch. Stokes ended up picking five wickets in just six overs as the hosts lost nine wickets for 123 runs.
Travis Head's supremacy guides Australia to a win
England started the second day on the front foot and picked up the final Australian wicket quickly as they were bowled out for 132 runs.
With a 40-run lead, England were looking the favourites to win the contest. However, Starc and Bolland ran riot, picking up three and four wickets respectively as England's second innings ended at just 164 runs and a lead of 204.
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The pitch was slowly improving in favour of the batters as the Australians came out to bat, with Travis Head opening the innings, alongside Jake Weatherald.
The southpaw went all guns blazing in the fourth innings as he scored a brilliant century and guided his team home. Australia chased down 205 runs in just 28.2 overs to go one up in the series.
When is the 2nd Test starting?
England will aim to bounce back in the second Ashes Test match, which will start on December 4 in Brisbane.
| Date | Venue | City | Time (IST) | |
| 1st Test | Nov. 21-25, 2025 | Optus Stadium | Perth | Aus won by 8 wickets |
| 2nd Test | Dec. 4-8, 2025 | The Gabba | Brisbane | 9:30 a.m. |
| 3rd Test | Dec. 17-21, 2025 | Adelaide Oval | Adelaide | 5:00 a.m. |
| 4th Test | Dec. 26-30, 2025 | MCG | Melbourne | 5:00 a.m. |
| 5th Test | Jan. 4-8, 2026 | SCG | Sydney | 5:00 a.m. |