Perth, Nov 22 (UNI) Australia chased down a target of 205 runs to beat England in the first Test at Perth Stadium, riding on spectacular innings from Travid Head (123 off 83 balls) and Marnus Labuschagne (51* off 49 balls).
The win gave the hosts a commanding start to the Ashes series in front of a spectators of 49,983.
England had set a modest target after being bowled out for 164 in their second innings at Tea on Day 2, having scored 172 in their first innings. Scot Boland starred with the ball for Australia, claiming 4/33 in 11.4 overs, while Mitchell Starc and Brendan Doggett took three wickets each.
England’s lower order had shown resistance, including a 50-run partnership between Gus Atkinson (37) and Brydon Carse (20), but it was not enough to set a challenging total.
Australia began the chase aggressively. Head and Jake Weatherald added 50 runs for the first wicket, with Head reaching 50 off just 36 balls and bringing up his century off 69 balls in scintillating fashion.
Head’s innings included 16 fours and 4 sixes, and he received a standing ovation from the Perth spectators upon his dismissal, caught by Olie Pope off Brydon Carse for 123. Labuschagne complemented Head perfectly, scoring a quick 50 with six fours and a six, keeping Australia in firm control and bringing the scores level with a massive six over long-on.
The chase was characterized by fearless strokeplay, with Head punishing anything loose and Labuschagne elegantly steering the innings. Australia reached 200 in just 27.6 overs, effectively wrapping up the contest in style.
The victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the Ashes series and sets the tone for the remaining Tests. England, despite some early promise in both innings, will need to regroup as Carse, Jofra Archer, and Ben Stokes could not contain the aggressive Australian batsmen.
