Dominant Australia Wrap Up First Ashes Test in Record Time
The Australian cricket team is heading home with massive smiles and a 1-0 series lead after a stunning demolition of England, wrapping up the first Ashes Test at Perth's Optus Stadium in just two days. The comprehensive victory has gifted the squad unexpected bonus days off before they regroup for the next battle.
Smith's Satisfaction and Squad's Recovery Plans
Stand-in captain Steve Smith was beaming as he departed Perth Airport on Sunday, November 23, bound for Sydney and some well-earned rest and relaxation. Smith, who sealed the win with the final runs, acknowledged the unique situation created by the match's rapid conclusion.
"It was amazing, wasn't it?" Smith remarked to 7NEWS. "It was a great finish to the Test match. Obviously, fantastic to be 1-0 up and heading to Brisbane." He confirmed the team's plans for the extended break, saying, "It's a long break now, only being a two-day game, so a bit of recovery, a few hits back home and then up to Brisbane." The second Test is scheduled for December 4 in Brisbane.
Head's Heroics and Khawaja's Concern
Meanwhile, the man of the moment, Travis Head, was greeted as a hero by his family upon arriving in Adelaide. Head played an innings for the ages, blasting a spectacular 123 runs from just 83 deliveries. Thrust into the unfamiliar role of opener, he fearlessly took on England's five-pronged pace attack, chasing down the 204-run target in a single session to secure the momentous win.
The bonus rest period will be particularly welcome for veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who was forced from the field on both days due to back spasms. This injury prevented him from batting at the top of the order, leaving Australian selectors with a significant decision to make about the opening partnership for the remainder of the series.
Starc's Stellar Performance and Bowling Future
The break will also be appreciated by Mitchell Starc, who produced a career-best performance. Starc claimed a seven-wicket haul in the first innings and added three more in the second, finishing with a match tally of ten wickets. With ongoing doubts over the fitness of Josh Hazlewood and the timeline for captain Pat Cummins' return, Starc's form is now crucial to Australia's chances of retaining the Ashes.
There are, however, no such concerns about Scott Boland, who returned to Victoria after playing a key role in engineering England's second-day collapse with three rapid wickets. The Australian camp is in high spirits, perfectly positioned as the series moves east.
