The opening game of the 2025-26 Ashes series was a roller-coaster ride. There was spectacular action, high-intensity moments and plenty of entertainment. However, the game didn't last two days as the Aussies romped home by eight wickets towards the fag end of the second day's play in Perth. The target of 205 was surely competitive but England's bowlers were taken apart by a Travis Head masterclass.
While the crushing win is the perfect start to the series for Australia, there are financial implications at play due to the superfast finish. Matches that finish inside two days are a huge loss for broadcasters and other stakeholders, especially for a high-profile series like The Ashes. According to a report by ABC Sport, Cricket Australia are set to lose to the tune of Rs 17.50 crore approximately.
Rivalries like The Ashes boast of unprecedented fan engagement. For the record, England's reputed fan support system, 'Barmy Army' have travelled in mammoth numbers to Australia for the five Tests. Unofficial reports say that more than 40000 fans have come all the way from England to support their team.
For CA, any kind of revenue loss is a blow but they'll hope that the remaining four Tests go deeper. As such, the pitch at Perth wasn't too much at fault, certainly on the second day as Head showed with his record-breaking innings. There was spice, there was extra pace and bounce but it wasn't as unplayable as it was on the first day.
Unfortunately for England, their batting imploded yet again to throw away a position of potential strength. With a first innings lead of 40 and a solid start to the second innings, the visitors had the chance to bat Australia out of the game. Instead, they collapsed and once they got a lifeline, the Aussies didn't look back.
