Ashes 2023-24: England suffer Perth defeat as Australia grab opening win
England's hopes of a strong Ashes start in Perth were dashed as Australia chased 205 in 28.5 overs, helped by Travis Head's starring innings.
The Camfield, the pub just outside Perth Stadium, is billed as the largest in the southern hemisphere, a fitting setting for England's Perth setback.
England had a chance to seize control in the opening match, aiming for their first Test win in Australia in 14 years and the first away Ashes opener since 1986.
At about 1pm local time, England led by 105 with nine second-innings wickets in hand after Australia were bowled out for 132 in the first innings. The pitch had made batsmen an endangered species.
Four and a half hours later, England had surrendered the advantage and lost by eight wickets, with tea included in the clock. Deckchairs would have offered more resistance to folding.
When England returned for the final session, they still looked favourites with a target of 205 for Australia, but the momentum swung dramatically. Australia chased it down in 28.5 overs after tea, driven by a magnificent innings from Travis Head.
From a boil-up of early promise to a swift capitulation, the Perth twist left England licking their wounds as Head stunned the home bowlers with a masterful display.
England are not a bad side. They are capable of thrilling moments, yet they also endure stubborn, frustrating periods and a slow-learning spell under pressure.
Since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum took charge, several heavy defeats have felt self-inflicted. Wellington 2023, Edgbaston 2023, Rajkot 2024 and The Oval 2024 each left marks that linger beyond a single match.
The team has shown they can back themselves in chases, but the pursuit of dominance remains a work in progress. The label of “ruthless” is not easy for a side that insists it’s playing with a blueprint rather than simply reacting to the moment.
The Perth defeat also sparked a local storm. The West Australian newspaper carried barbed headlines about England, while questions about Usman Khawaja's fitness and captaincy were debated in the aftermath. Head's opening with Khawaja drew praise from Australians as Smith embraced him with a firm handshake in the post-match briefing.
Australia head to Brisbane for the second Test in the day-night format, with Pat Cummins not being rushed back and Mitchell Starc delivering 10 wickets across the Perth match, his pink-ball skills noted by pundits.
For England, options and travel plans become strategic as they regroup for the next clash. A return to Brisbane offers a fresh chance under lights, though England may opt to keep faith with the same XI to preserve momentum in their plan and pacing of attack.
Crawley’s role at the top remains under scrutiny after another low-scoring pair of innings, while Duckett’s early-season form continues to be a talking point. With limited specialist openers in the squad, any change would require careful consideration, with Jacob Bethell or Will Jacks coming into focus if selectors decide to reshuffle before the Brisbane Test.
McCullum has defended the team’s “blueprint,” insisting it will endure even after a bruising result in Perth. The series, he believes, will define this England team—positive in its instincts, but tested by the realities of Australia’s conditions.
The Bazball philosophy is to back the process, not crumble under a single setback. If England can translate their intent into sustained performances in Brisbane, the series remains within reach.
- Perth Test wrap: Head’s heroics and England’s batting woes
- What next for England in the Ashes after Perth?
- Australia’s plans for the day-night Brisbane Test
Key takeaway: England must regroup quickly in Brisbane to salvage the series and avoid being defined by a swift Perth setback. BBC Sport
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