🏏 Match Recap & Final Scorecard
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Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
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Dates: 21–22 November 2025
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Result: Australia won by 8 wickets.
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Player of the Match: Mitchell Starc (Australia)
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings / Chase |
|---|---|---|
| England | 172 all out | 164 all out |
| Australia | 132 all out | 205/2 (28.2 overs) |
Key Details:
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England: 172 & 164
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Australia: 132 & 205/2
Australia chased the 205-run target in just 28.2 overs.
🔥 What Happened — Match Highlights & Turning Points
Australia’s Bowling Masterclass
Despite a modest first-innings score of 132, Australia’s bowlers — spearheaded by Mitchell Starc — ripped through England’s batting orders twice. Starc’s pace, precision and experience proved pivotal. ESPN+1
England’s total of 172 in the first innings never gave them enough buffer. In the second innings, once more, Australia’s attack dominated to bundle England out for 164. ESPN+1
Chase of the Night — Brutal and Blistering
Once set a target of 205, Australia didn’t drag; they attacked. Their batting lineup delivered — shattering the target before many thought the innings would settle in. Quick scoring, aggressive strokeplay, and confidence under pressure made the chase look easy. ESPN.com+1
England’s Collapse — A Tale of Missed Chances
For England, the match was more about what went wrong than what went right. Poor shot selection, inconsistency, inability to handle pace and movement, and lack of rhythm contributed to two under-par innings. Their batsmen simply couldn’t hold on long enough to challenge Australia’s momentum.
📊 Statistical & Tactical Breakdown
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Bowling Impact: Australia — disciplined lines, sharp seam movement, and mental pressure turned the tides. England’s batsmen looked vulnerable under sustained attack.
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Batting Under Pressure: When chasing, Australia showed aggression and composure; England, under pressure, failed to build partnerships or convert starts.
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Momentum & Mental Strength: Australia handled early setbacks (being bowled out for 132) with resilience and confidence; England lacked that grit under pressure in both innings.
🚨 What This Result Means — Implications & Take-aways
For Australia
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This win sends a strong message: even when tests begin poorly, their bowling attack and batting resolve make them formidable.
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Confidence will be high heading into the rest of the series.
For England
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Significant problems in technique and temperament. The top and middle order need regrouping and reconsideration.
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Tough lessons: pace + seaming conditions in Australia require adaptability — something England struggled with.
For the Ashes 2025/26 Series
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The first Test inside two days is a shocker unlikely to be forgotten soon. It sets the tone for a possibly one-sided series unless England revives.
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Other teams watching will take note: Australian conditions + their current form = major challenge ahead.
🧠 Final Thoughts: A Brutal Reality Check for England, A Statement of Dominance by Australia
Cricket, especially Test cricket, is a game of patience, resilience, and adaptability. In this match, Australia showed all three — even when they began badly. Their bowlers dismantled England’s batting twice, and their batsmen chased down the target with ease and aggression.
England, on the other hand, were overwhelmed. Whether it was tactics, temperament, or technique — they simply couldn’t match Australia’s intensity.
This match is a reminder: on home turf, with conditions in their favour, Australia remains one of the toughest teams to challenge. As for England — if they want to stay competitive in this series, they must dig deep, adapt fast, and rebuild confidence.
Cricket fans — brace yourselves! The rest of this Ashes series could get even more interesting.