Australian's superstar batter Travis Head extended an apology to the 60,000 fans who had purchased tickets for Day 3 of the first Ashes Test in Perth, as the highly anticipated match concluded in just two days. The contest was defined by dramatic momentum swings, exceptional displays of fast bowling, and ultimately, one decisive innings.
Travis Head says sorry to Perth spectators
Head’s own blistering performance was the key factor in the quick finish, as his magnificent 123 runs propelled Australia to a dominating eight-wicket victory. The team successfully mowed down England’s target of 205 runs in just 28.2 overs, leaving ticket holders with a swift, albeit thrilling, conclusion to the Ashes opener.
“I almost feel sorry for the 60,000 people who bought tickets for tomorrow. It’s been unbelievable. The emotions are pretty high… To be able to contribute the way I did, it feels pretty special,” Head said after the match.
Australia's masterstroke to open with Travis Head
Travis Head, who was unexpectedly promoted to open the innings during Australia's successful run chase, revealed that the strategic idea to change his batting position was not a long-term plan but had actually been floated and decided upon just before the chase commenced.
“About two years ago!” he laughed when asked when the decision was made. Nah, honestly, I was happy to do it. It doesn’t bother me too much. We’d spoken about it — we know what England’s short-ball plans look like. The coaching staff and Patty (Cummins) had a few ideas, and this was one of them. Nice that it worked out today.”
Head confirmed that the final decision regarding his unexpected promotion to open the batting was not a unilateral choice but rather a collaborative and shared decision among the team management.
“Bit of everyone — coach, captain, a few senior players. A couple of options were thrown around the room. I was keen, and there was support for it. Could’ve easily been Marnus facing the first over too. But the thinking was right: get out there, trust the plans, and see what happens. And today it paid off.”
The decision to promote Head proved to be an immediate masterstroke, as he responded by smashing a blistering century off just 69 balls, setting a new record for the fastest century ever scored in the fourth innings of a Test match. Head later admitted that he had anticipated England's bowling attack would relentlessly test him with short-pitched deliveries.
“I was. That’s a seriously good bowling attack and we knew the short stuff was coming. My plan was just to play to the breeze, hit with it when I could, give myself room, pull when it was there. I wasn’t sure exactly how it would pan out, but today it came off,” he concluded.
Head's robust century seals Ashes opener for Australia in just two days
Head 69-ball century helped Australia chase down 205-run target with 8 wickets to spare. Head's aggressive and match-winning innings saw him smash 123 runs, securing total control for the hosts. He was ably supported by Marnus Labuschagne, who remained unbeaten on 51, while Steve Smith finished on two not out.
Head’s lightning knock followed a devastating post-lunch spell from Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc that precipitated a dramatic England collapse. After looking stable at 65-1, England lost four wickets in just four overs. Boland was instrumental, quickly dismissing Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, and Harry Brook. Starc then removed key players including Joe Root and later Ben Stokes, which completed his phenomenal 10-wicket match haul, building on his career-best figures of 7-58 from the first day. England managed to limp to 164 only. And Head did the rest to seal the game for Australia.
England will look to return to winning ways in the second Test against Australia, which is slated to be played from December 4 in Brisbane.