Australia National Cricket Team vs England National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: England suffered a heavy defeat in the opening Ashes Test as Travis Head’s blistering century guided Australia to a remarkable victory in just two days. Head scored 123 off 69 balls, the second-fastest century in Ashes history, to carry Australia to their target of 205 in 28.2 overs. His innings powered the hosts to an eight-wicket win and a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series.

Australia had conceded a 40-run first-innings deficit and trailed by 105 runs when England reached 65-1 after lunch. The match then collapsed for the visitors, who lost six wickets for 39 runs in 11 overs. A devastating spell of three wickets in six balls removed Ollie Pope, Harry Brook and Joe Root. Despite a brief resistance from Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse, England were bowled out for 164 in 34.4 overs.

Mitchell Starc starred with the ball, taking seven wickets in the first innings and three in the second to complete a 10-wicket match haul. Scott Boland claimed 4 for 33, while England’s top order faltered under pressure.

Head’s promotion up the order paid off as he dominated England’s attack and brought the match to an early finish, the first Ashes Test to end inside two days since 1921. Australia’s victory highlighted England’s struggles in Australia, where they have lost 14 and drawn two of 16 Tests since 2011.

The Ashes now shift to Brisbane for a day-night second Test at the Gabba from December 4 to 8.

Brief Scores:England 172 (Harry Brook 52; Mitchell Starc 7-58) & 164 (Gus Atkinson 37; Scott Boland 4-33)Australia 132 (Alex Carey 26; Ben Stokes 5-23) & 205/2 (Travis Head 123; Brydon Carse 2-44)Australia won by eight wickets.