Australia Wins First Ashes Test by 8 Wickets

Australia crushed England by eight wickets in the opening Ashes Test at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday, wrapping up a stunning two-day victory that handed the hosts a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Travis Head's blistering 123 off 83 balls powered Australia to chase down a target of 205, sealing the win with Marnus Labuschagne unbeaten on 51 and captain Steve Smith not out on 2.

England's campaign unraveled after winning the toss and electing to bat first on a lively pitch. The visitors were bowled out for 172 in just 32.5 overs, with Australia's Mitchell Starc claiming career-best figures of 7-58. Ollie Pope top-scored with 46, supported by Harry Brook's 52, but the innings featured a late collapse as the last five wickets fell for 12 runs in 18 deliveries. Key dismissals included Zak Crawley for a duck, Joe Root for a seven-ball zero, and captain Ben Stokes for 6.

In reply, Australia faltered against England's pace attack, folding for 132 to trail by 40 runs. Stokes led the charge with a remarkable 5-23 from six overs, dismissing Travis Head, Cameron Green, and Alex Carey among others. Jofra Archer struck early by removing debutant opener Jake Weatherald for a duck,...