Cricket Australia stare at massive loss after record-breaking Ashes Test
What's the story
Cricket Australia (CA) is staring at a potential revenue loss of over AUD 3 million, around ₹18 crore, following the early conclusion of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia, as per AAP. The match, which was played at Perth's Optus Stadium, ended in just two days after Travis Head's explosive century helped Australia chase down a target of 205 runs in less than 30 overs.
Attendance details
Record attendance but potential revenue loss
Despite a record-breaking attendance of 101,514 over the first two days, CA is still looking at a significant revenue loss. The figure includes 51,531 on Friday and 49,983 on Saturday—surpassing last year's record of 96,463 when India beat Australia in four days for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener. However, Day 3 was almost sold out and Cricket Australia's refund policy states that single-day Test ticket holders for canceled days are eligible for full refunds.
Match analysis
England's 'Bazball' approach backfires
The first Test match ended in two days as England's aggressive 'Bazball' strategy failed. They batted for less than 70 overs across both innings, leading to their defeat in the five-match series. Despite a 40-run lead, England collapsed from 65/1 to 88/6 in just a few overs during their second innings. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland wreaked havoc on the English batsmen in Perth.
Match highlights
Head's record-setting century and Australia's swift victory
Travis Head was promoted to open in the absence of Usman Khawaja and he didn't disappoint. He scored a blistering 123 off just 83 balls, helping Australia chase down the target in just 28.2 overs with eight wickets remaining. This was Head's 10th Test century and third against England. His innings was more than double the next-highest score of Harry Brook's 52 in the first innings.
Bowling performance
Starc's 10-wicket haul and Boland's 4-wicket haul
Starc took a 10-fer in the match, with seven of his wickets coming in the first innigs. He was well supported by Scott Boland, who took four wickets in the second innings. Debutant Brendan Doggett also impressed with his five wickets in the match. England had a solid start at one point during their third innings but lost nine wickets for just 105 runs thereafter.