The Ashes 2025/26 series witnessed a historic moment in Perth as Australia dominated England in the third-shortest Test in Ashes history, marking one of the most remarkable matches in Shortest Ashes records. With records falling at every stage, the match provided thrilling cricket action, showcasing incredible batting, fierce bowling, and relentless team spirit. Travis Head’s explosive century, Mitchell Starc’s ten-wicket haul, and Australia’s record-breaking chase will be remembered for generations.
Historic Ashes Test Ends Inside Two Days
In a rare feat, the Shortest Ashes Test in Perth concluded in just two days, marking the first such instance in over 100 years in Australia. Globally, only six Ashes Tests have ended within the first two days of play. The previous shortest Test before Perth 2025 was at the SCG in 1894/95.
Shortest Ashes Tests by Balls Bowled
| Balls | Venue | Season | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 788 | Old Trafford | 1888 | England |
| 792 | Lord’s | 1888 | Australia |
| 847 | Perth | 2025/26 | Australia |
| 911 | SCG | 1894/95 | Australia |
| 1034 | Gabba | 1950/51 | Australia |
England faced just 405 balls across two innings, making it their third-shortest outing in a Test where they were bowled out twice.
Australia’s Record-Breaking Chase
Australia chased a modest target of 205 with incredible efficiency, scoring at a run rate of 7.23, the highest in a successful fourth-innings chase of 200+ in Test history. They achieved the target in only 28.2 overs, surpassing England’s previous record against New Zealand in 2022.
This was only the fourth instance in Test cricket where a team successfully chased a 200+ target in the fourth innings after all three previous innings in the match ended below 200 runs.
Travis Head Rewrites History
Travis Head produced a sensational 69-ball century, equaling David Warner’s fastest Ashes century in terms of balls faced and becoming the fastest ever in a fourth-innings Ashes chase. Head reached his century in the 21.3rd over, making it one of the earliest centuries in a Test innings by ball count. His 123 runs are also the highest by an opener in the fourth innings of an Ashes Test in the 21st century.
Fastest 100s in Test Cricket (by Balls Faced)
| Balls | Player | Against | Venue | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | B McCullum | Aus | Christchurch | 2015/16 |
| 56 | Viv Richards | Eng | St John’s | 1985/86 |
| 56 | Misbah-ul-Haq | Aus | Abu Dhabi | 2014/15 |
| 57 | A Gilchrist | Eng | Perth | 2006/07 |
| 67 | J Gregory | SA | Johannesburg | 1921/22 |
| 69 | S Chanderpaul | Aus | Georgetown | 2002/03 |
| 69 | D Warner | Ind | Perth | 2011/12 |
| 69 | T Head | Eng | Perth | 2025/26 |
Stellar Bowling Performances
In the Shortest Ashes, Mitchell Starc achieved a 10-wicket haul (7/58 & 3/55), becoming the first Australian bowler to do so in an Ashes Test since Shane Warne in 2005. Scott Boland also set a record by reaching his 50th Test wicket at home in 1,639 balls, making him the fastest in Australia’s history.
Notable Bowling Achievements
| Bowler | Figures | Venue | Season | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Starc | 7/58 & 3/55 | Perth | 2025/26 | 10-wicket haul in Ashes Test |
| Scott Boland | 50 wickets/1639 balls | Australia | 2025/26 | Fastest 50th Test wicket at home |
England’s Struggles
Zak Crawley became the fourth English opener to bag a pair in Ashes history, while the team suffered its ninth consecutive defeat in Perth across WACA and Perth Stadium.
READ MORE: Mitchell Starc Makes Ashes History With Unique Century in Perth Test