Former captain Michael Vaughan had called for England’s senior players to head to Canberra to play a warm-up match with the pink ball

England’s two innings lasted 67.5 overs, the fastest the nation has been bowled out twice in a Test match since 1904. McDonald confessed he wasn’t surprised by England’s aggressive approach to batting, adding it’s become the norm for the Ashes rivals since Brendon McCullum took charge of the team in 2022.

The shortest Ashes Test in 104 years left travelling England fans anguished at their team's attitude and had implications, too, for Perth

Australia needed a volunteer to replace an injured opening batter in a tough situation. Travis Head stepped up and delivered an unforgettable performance.

The opening Ashes Test in Perth wrapped up inside two days after a flurry of rapid scoring and aggressive play, leaving Cricket Australia staring at an estimated loss of more than $3 million in ticket revenue.

The Ashes, with all its tradition and glory, are a huge burden for the visiting team at the same time. The world’s cricket fans are all set to witness another thrilling battle between the Ashes holders and the challengers.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald has refused to guarantee Nathan Lyon’s spot in the starting XI for next week’s second Ashes Test in Brisbane, claiming the veteran spinner’s selection was dependent on conditions at the Gabba.

Since last claiming an Ashes series in Australia 15 years ago, they have now lost 14 Tests, drawn two and won none Down Under. England had a perfect opportunity to snap the dire streak and earn a psychological advantage heading into the day-night second Test in Brisbane on December 4.