Dissecting the shortest Ashes Tests by balls bowled
What's the story
The 2025-26 Ashes opener Test between Australia and England in Perth ended in less than two days, marking a historic moment. The match lasted just 847 deliveries, making it the shortest Ashes contest by balls bowled since the 19th century. England's batting line-up crumbled under Australia's relentless pace attack, facing their fewest balls in a Test since 1904. On this note, we list down the shortest Ashes Tests in terms of balls bowled.
#3
847 balls at Perth Stadium, 2025
As per Cricbuzz, the aforementioned affair marked the third-shortest Test in Ashes history (847 balls). Mitchell Starc claimed a career-best seven-fer as England were folded for 172 while batting first. In response, Australia managed 132/10 thanks to Ben Stokes's fifer. England, in their second innings, posted 164/10. Scott Boland trapped four batters. Australia then chased down the 205-run target with Travis Head scoring a record-breaking hundred. They prevailed by eight wickets.
#2
792 balls at Lord's, 1888
The opener of the 1888 Ashes at the iconic Lord's lasted just 792 balls. Australia made 116/10 batting first as Bobby Peel and Johnny Briggs shared seven scalps. The hosts, in response, were folded for just 53 as Charlie Turner claimed a fifer. The Aussies posted a mere 60/10 in their second outing as Peel and George Lohmann took four wickets each. Chasing 124 for victory, the Brits only managed 62/10 as JJ Ferris and Turner dismissed five batters each.
#3
788 balls at Old Trafford, 1888
Topping this list is another Test from the 1888 Ashes - at Manchester's Old Trafford. The game witnessed just 788 balls as England secured a massive win. The hosts posted 172/10 batting first as Turner bagged five wickets. A seven-fer from Peel meant Australia managed just 81/10 and were asked to follow on. They were folded for 70 this time as England triumphed by an innings and 21 runs. Peel was again the pick of the England bowlers (4/37).