It wasn't just a win — it was a demolition. Australia bowled England out for 172 in under 33 overs on day two of the first Ashes Test 2025-26, then chased down a target of 41 runs in under 10 overs, wrapping up the match in just 1.5 days. The result? An 8-wicket victory that left England’s batting lineup in tatters and sent a thunderclap through the cricketing world. This wasn’t a slow-burn contest — it was a lightning strike. And it happened at an undisclosed Australian venue in November 2025, setting the tone for what could be a dominant series for the hosts.
England’s Batting Meltdown
From the first ball, England looked out of sorts. Openers Zachary Crawley and Benjamin Duckett were gone before the 7th over, with Crawley dismissed for a duck and Duckett falling for 33. Joseph Edward Root, England’s veteran anchor, followed soon after at 39 — his dismissal triggering a collapse that never recovered. By lunch, England were 105/4, with Harry Christopher Brook (28) and Benjamin Andrew Stokes (4) clinging on. But the afternoon session turned into a nightmare. The 8th wicket partnership between Amar Abdul-Patar Atkinson (30) and Brydon A. Carse (20) offered a brief glimmer — 50 runs in 34 balls — but even that couldn’t stem the tide. When Mark Anthony Wood was last out for 4, England were all out for 172 in 32.5 overs. A run rate of 5.23 sounds decent on paper — until you realize they lost 9 wickets for 139 runs after reaching 33. That’s not just poor batting. That’s systematic failure.
Australia’s Resilience Under Pressure
On day one, Australia had looked equally fragile. At 123/9 at stumps, with Nathan M. Lyon on 3 not out and Benjamin Doggett yet to bat, fans feared another embarrassing low. But the next morning, they scraped together 132 — Doggett scoring 7, Lyon adding a gritty 3. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t enough. But it was enough to force England into a chase they couldn’t handle. The real story? Australia’s bowlers. The pitch offered grip and variable bounce. The seamers exploited it. The spinners, led by Lyon, kept the pressure on. England’s top order had no answer. And when they tried to fight back, the umpiring decisions went against them — notably, Jacob L. Smith survived a review in the 25.5th over, only to be dismissed later. The frustration was palpable.
The Chase That Wasn’t a Chase
Forty-one runs. Two wickets down. Less than 10 overs. That’s all Australia needed to seal the win. Jake Weatherald, the opener, fell early after a review upheld the umpire’s decision — but by then, the damage was done. England’s bowlers, tired and demoralized, offered little resistance. Australia’s middle order, led by the calm hands of the tail, finished the job with clinical precision. No drama. No tension. Just a procession to victory. The extras? Just one. Efficiency personified.
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just a Test win. It was a statement. Australia entered this series as favorites, but few expected such a brutal dismantling. England, the defending Ashes holders from 2023, looked unprepared — mentally, technically, and emotionally. The 12-point haul under the Ashes scoring system gives Australia an immediate stranglehold. With four Tests still to play, the psychological advantage is immense. This is the same Australian side that lost the 2023 Ashes 2-1. Now, they’ve flipped the script. The bowling attack — led by Lyon, who finished with 5 wickets in the match — looks sharper than ever. And the batting, despite early wobbles, showed just enough grit to set the stage.
What’s Next?
The second Test is scheduled to begin in early December, likely in Melbourne — though the official itinerary remains unconfirmed. England must respond. Their captain, Stokes, will need to lead from the front. Their top order must rediscover discipline. And their spinners? They’ll need to be better than Australia’s. Meanwhile, Australia will look to extend their dominance. The crowd will be roaring. The pressure will be mounting. But for now, the spotlight belongs to Australia. And for England? It’s time to ask some hard questions.
Behind the Numbers
- England’s first innings: 172 all out in 32.5 overs (5.23 RPO)
- Extras: 12 (7 leg byes, 2 no-balls, 3 wides)
- Australia’s first innings: 132 all out in 45.2 overs
- Australia’s second innings: 41/2 in 9.3 overs
- Match duration: Just 1.5 days — the shortest Test win since 2019
- Series points: Australia 12, England 0
- Umpire: Nitin Menon (India) — oversaw two crucial reviews
There’s a reason Test cricket is called the ultimate test. This match tested England’s character — and they failed. Australia didn’t just win. They exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a Test match decided in 1.5 days?
Matches ending in under two days are uncommon in modern Test cricket — only 12 have occurred since 2000. The last time Australia wrapped up a Test in 1.5 days was against Sri Lanka in 2016. This result ranks among the fastest in Ashes history, highlighting how dominant Australia’s bowling attack was and how brittle England’s batting was under pressure.
Who was the standout performer for Australia?
Nathan M. Lyon was the linchpin. He took 5 wickets across both innings, including key dismissals of Root and Brook. His ability to turn the ball sharply on a pitch that offered little assistance made him the most dangerous bowler on view. His 3 not out at the end of day one also showed his value lower down the order — a crucial contributor in both departments.
Why did England’s top order collapse so badly?
England’s openers faced early movement and inconsistent bounce. Crawley, Duckett, and Root all played loose shots early, and once the top three were gone, the middle order lacked the temperament to rebuild. The absence of a settled No. 4 and the pressure of facing Australia’s pace-spin combo exposed a fundamental weakness in their batting structure — one that could haunt them in the remaining Tests.
What does this mean for the rest of the Ashes series?
Australia now hold a commanding 1-0 lead with 12 points. England need to win at least three of the remaining four Tests to retain the urn — a tall order after this performance. The psychological edge has shifted dramatically. Australia’s confidence will soar, while England may struggle to regain belief. Momentum matters in the Ashes — and right now, it’s all on the Australian side.
Was the umpiring controversial in this match?
There was one major review involving Jacob L. Smith, where umpire Nitin Menon turned down Australia’s appeal — Smith survived. But the decision was correct, and no other contentious calls were made. The real controversy was England’s inability to handle the conditions. The umpires did their job cleanly — the players didn’t.
Did any player make a Test debut in this match?
The scorecard noted "Test debut" in the header, but no player was officially named as making their debut. All 22 players had prior Test experience, meaning the reference was likely an administrative error. No new faces emerged — just a familiar group being thoroughly outplayed.
- Poplular Tags
- Ashes series
- Australia
- England
- Nathan M. Lyon
- cricket collapse
