Optus Stadium prepares to host the first Ashes Test, and the focus is firmly on a pitch known for consistent pace, bounce and help for fast bowlers early on.
The drop-in surface has produced clear patterns in its short Test history: quicks often dominate with the new ball, batting becomes easier once players settle, and big scores are possible for those who apply themselves. We've been tracking the two lineups as Australia confirmed their XI and England opted to wait until the toss to decide whether to include spinner Shoaib Bashir or five quick bowlers.
As the match goes on, the wicket tends to slow slightly, reducing assistance for bowlers.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the pitch report, key records and highest scores at Optus Stadium ahead of the first Test in the eagerly-anticipated 2025/26 Ashes series.
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How many Test matches has Perth Cricket Stadium hosted?
Perth Cricket Stadium has hosted five international test matches to date.
How many spectators can Perth Cricket Stadium hold?
The Perth Cricket Stadium has a seating capacity of 60,000.
Perth Cricket Stadium: Pitch report
The Optus Stadium offers genuine pace, steep bounce and early movement that will reward quality fast bowling. New-ball spells could shape the match, which is why both sides are expected to stack their attacks with seamers.
The drop-in pitch usually settles as the game progresses, making batting smoother through the second innings, though the fourth-innings chase often becomes tricky once the surface wears. Spinners won’t get much help beyond the odd mistake from batters. Overall, this pitch hands a clear early advantage to the quicks before easing into a fair Test wicket.
Perth Cricket Stadium: Average scores and toss results in Test matches
Total Matches | 5 |
Matches won batting first | 5 |
Matches won bowling first | 0 |
Average Score 1st innings score | 395 |
Average Score 2nd innings score | 221 |
Average Score 3rd innings score | 272 |
Average Score 4th innings score | 194 |
What happened in the previous Test match at Perth Cricket Stadium?
India dominated the last Test played at the Perth Stadium in November 2024, beating Australia by 295 runs. After posting 150 and a commanding 487/6 declared, India set a target of 534.
Australia never settled on the pacy surface, dismissed for 104 in the first innings and 238 in the second. Jasprit Bumrah was outstanding, taking 5/30 and 3/42 to claim Player of the Match.
What is the highest score by a team at Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches?
Australia hold the highest team total at the Perth Stadium in Test cricket, piling up 598/4 declared against West Indies in December 2022. The innings was powered by Marnus Labuschagne’s double century.
What is the lowest score by a team at Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches?
The lowest Test total at the Perth Stadium belongs to Pakistan, who were bowled out for 89 in the fourth innings of the 2023 Test. Australia’s pace attack ran through the lineup on a lively surface, making it the ground’s lowest score to date.
What is the highest individual score at Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches?
The highest individual score at the Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches is 204 by Marnus Labuschagne. He scored 204 off 350 balls, with 20 fours and one six, at a strike rate of 58.28 against West Indies in November 2022.
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What is the best bowling figure at Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches?
The best bowling figures at Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches belong to Mitchell Starc, who produced a superb 9 for 97 against New Zealand on 12 December 2019. His spell came across 32 overs, including 7 maidens, at an economy rate of 3.03, making it the standout bowling performance at the venue.
Which batter has the most runs at Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches?
Marnus Labuschagne holds the record for the most runs at Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches. Across 4 matches (2019–2024), he has scored 524 runs in 8 innings, averaging 74.85. His highest score at the venue is 204, and his tally includes 3 centuries and 1 fifty, with 55 fours and 4 sixes.
Which bowler has the most wickets at Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches?
Nathan Lyon has taken the most wickets at Perth Cricket Stadium in Test matches. Across 5 matches (2018–2024), he has claimed 29 wickets in 10 innings, with a best bowling figure of 6/128. He averages 20.86, operates at an economy of 2.61, and has produced two five-wicket hauls at the venue.
All stats via ESPN cricinfo
AUS vs. ENG betting odds & predictions: Who will win?
According to Dafabet, Australia enter the 1st Ashes Test match as favourites with home support and recent wins, priced at 1.49 compared to England’s 2.59.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
Australia | 1.49 |
England | 2.59 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Australia to win: Home conditions, extra pace at Perth and a stronger bowling attack give them a clear early advantage.
- Usman Khawaja to score 50+: His experience on bouncy Australian surfaces makes him the most reliable option in the top order.
- Mitchell Starc to take 3+ wickets: The left-armer’s bounce and swing at Optus Stadium should trouble England’s batters throughout the match.
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