In a breathtaking display of aggressive batting, Australian star Travis Head single-handedly guided his team to a monumental victory in the historic Ashes series against England. His fiery knock of 123 runs from just 83 balls on the second day in Perth secured the hosts' first win in the five-match series, wrapping up a match that saw a staggering 19 wickets fall on the first day alone.
England's Batting Collapse Sets the Stage
The drama began after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first. This decision quickly backfired as the English batting lineup crumbled against a ferocious Australian bowling attack. Spearheading the assault was left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc, who proved to be the undoing of the visitors, claiming an impressive seven wickets in merely 12.5 overs. England was bundled out for a paltry 172 runs in their first innings.
However, the Australian response in their second innings was equally dismal. The home team suffered a dramatic collapse of their own, being skittled out for a meagre 132 runs. England's captain, Ben Stokes, was the chief destroyer this time, showcasing his all-round prowess by taking five crucial wickets in just six overs.
Head's Heroics Seal the Deal
England's third innings offered little respite, as they could only manage another subpar total of 164 runs, with Gus Atkinson top-scoring with 37. This set Australia a target to chase in the fourth innings, a task that seemed daunting on a treacherous Perth pitch.
Walking out to bat with Jake Weatherald, who was dismissed when Head was on 23, the responsibility fell squarely on Travis Head's shoulders. He then forged a match-winning partnership with Marnus Labuschagne, who played a vital supporting role with a well-made 51 runs from 49 balls.
But the day belonged to Head. He unleashed a stunning assault on the English bowlers, hammering 16 boundaries and four sixes at a phenomenal strike rate of 148.19. His century was a spectacle, reached in just 69 balls. This blistering ton is now officially the second-fastest century in the storied history of the Ashes. The record is still held by Adam Gilchrist, who scored a 57-ball hundred in 2006, while Joe Darling's 85-ball century in 1898 now ranks third.
Hypocrisy Over Pitch Conditions?
The nature of the Perth pitch, which saw the match conclude within two days, has sparked a fresh debate on pitch criticism. Surprisingly, former England captain Michael Vaughan, who was vocal in his criticism of the turning pitch at Eden Gardens during the recent India-South Africa Test, has remained silent.
This silence has not gone unnoticed by several prominent Indian cricketers. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik questioned the double standard, asking, "Is it fair to say people like to see pacers picking plenty of wickets on spicy pitches than spinners on a turning pitch?"
Spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin chimed in with a sarcastic remark, stating, "Only 19 wickets fell at Perth today, but an excellent days cricket," before adding, "Oh no! What if the same happens tomorrow in Guwahati?"
Commentator Aakash Chopra also weighed in, highlighting the perceived hypocrisy. "Such an ‘outcome’ on a subcontinental pitch would’ve meant the death of Test cricket. ??" he tweeted, followed by, "Peak hypocrisy?? Again, maintaining that I’m only following the score…haven’t watched the game. That’s why used the word ‘outcome’."
