Why Australia are in big trouble despite winning the first Ashes Test – Here’s the shocking reason! | Cricket News

Cricket Australia faces the prospect of a major financial setback after the opening Ashes match between Australia and England ended in just two days at Optus Stadium in Perth. With the match finishing much earlier than expected, the committee now stands to lose more than AUD 3 million in ticket revenue for days three and four, according to a report in the Guardian. The Test, played on a lively pitch that consistently favored fast bowlers, proved to be a batting nightmare. In fact, 205 was the highest total scored by either team in the four innings. This number was also the only time the 200 point mark was crossed in the entire game.

Travis Head delivered the highlight moment of the Test, smashing a blistering 123 while opening in place of the injured Usman Khawaja. His attacking knock propelled Australia to a successful chase of 205 in less than 29 overs. The abrupt end to the match even prompted an apology from Head, who told the Seven Network he felt bad for fans who had purchased tickets for the following day, which were already sold out. The early arrival was particularly frustrating for Cricket Australia, as attendances over the first two days broke Perth’s previous Test record. In total, 101,514 spectators showed up, including 51,531 on Friday and 49,983 on Saturday. This surpassed the previous mark of 96,463, set when India beat Australia in the opening Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year. In accordance with Cricket Australia’s refund policy, fans who purchased day tickets for days that never took place will receive a full refund. England’s aggressive Bazball approach played a major role in bringing the match to a quick conclusion. The visitors faced fewer than 70 overs in total across the two innings, going from 65 for 1 to 88 for 6 in the second innings after holding a lead of 40. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland dismantled England’s middle order, turning the match decisively in Australia’s favor. Starc was the best performer, taking 10 wickets in the Test. His efforts earned him Player of the Match honors, made all the more remarkable as he led the attack without Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Australia now lead the five-match series 1-0, while England must rethink their approach after a bruising two-day defeat in Perth.