The opening Ashes Test in Perth finished far earlier than expected, wrapping up late on the second day after a burst of fast scoring and attacking cricket. The abrupt ending has created a major financial setback for Cricket Australia, which now faces losses exceeding $3 million from ticket sales planned for days three and four.
The Test’s early finish came on the back of standout moments, including a rapid Travis Head century, and England’s aggressive style of play.
Although more than one lakh fans turned up across the first two days, the premature conclusion deprived ticket-holders of later-day action and slashed projected earnings.
Travis Head described it after the match as "an amazing two days", but added, "Feel sorry for the people who can't come tomorrow. I think it was a full house again."
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Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg acknowledged the wider financial implications, telling SEN, "It's difficult for several different groups. Our broadcasters first of all. Certainly, us, on ticket sales and our partners and sponsors. There's a big economic impact on this series." Fans with single-day tickets for unused days will receive full refunds as per policy, adding further pressure to CA’s bottom line.
This comes at a challenging time for the board. Recently, CA reported an $11.3 million deficit at its AGM, a figure that drew criticism from Cricket Victoria chair Ross Hepburn. The deficit stands out given that the previous summer included a major five-Test India tour.
On the field, Australia clinched the match by eight wickets to take a 1–0 lead. Travis Head’s explosive 69-ball century, Mitchell Starc’s ten-wicket match haul, and Scott Boland’s incisive spells shaped the outcome. England were bowled out for 172 and 164, setting Australia a target of 205, which they chased down comfortably.
Ashes match highlights
Australia wrapped up the first Ashes Test with a dominant eight-wicket win over England, sealing the match with three full days remaining.
The game unfolded at a blistering pace, with fast bowlers dictating terms throughout and rattling through 30 wickets for just 468 runs in only 113 overs across five sessions in Perth. Nineteen wickets tumbled on a dramatic opening day, followed by eleven more before tea on Day 2.
Chasing 205, Australia sent Travis Head to open after Usman Khawaja was ruled out with injury, and he turned England’s “Bazball” approach back on them.
Travis Head blasted a stunning 123 off just 83 balls, smashing 16 fours and four sixes as he dominated the chase. He eventually holed out in the deep with the hosts 13 runs short of victory at 192-2. Marnus Labuschagne then finished the job, striking a six to level the scores and remaining unbeaten on 51 as Australia cruised to 205-2 to go 1–0 up in the series.
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Despite the financial jolt, CA maintains an optimistic outlook. Baird stated, "We're in a position where it's a significant uplift, an over $20m improvement," adding, "Hang on to your hats because next year we are going to have a record year in cricket. You're going to see the most attendance, the most viewership, the most sponsorship."
Broadcast performance offered some consolation, with Foxtel delivering its highest first-day viewership for an opening Test and the Seven Network also registering strong numbers.
