The first Ashes Test at Perth Stadium may have lasted only two days but the pitch at the centre of the action has surprisingly received the highest possible rating from the International Cricket Council. On Thursday, the ICC officially declared the surface “very good”, even though the match wrapped up far earlier than anyone expected.
Under the ICC’s rating system, “very good” describes a pitch that offers reliable bounce, decent carry, and only limited seam movement – conditions meant to create a fair contest between batters and bowlers. According to the ICC, that balance is exactly what Perth delivered.
Australia came out of the chaotic Test with an eight-wicket win, taking a 1–0 lead in the five-match series. The opening day alone saw 19 wickets tumble as England were dismissed for 172, with Mitchell Starc producing a memorable spell of 7 for 58. Australia then crumbled to 121 for 9 by stumps, setting the stage for more drama.
Day two brought another flurry of wickets as England folded for 164. But the match swung decisively when Travis Head smashed an extraordinary 123 from just 83 balls, sealing Australia’s victory in emphatic fashion.
Cricket Australia’s chief of cricket, James Allsopp, said the ICC’s assessment confirmed their belief that the pitch offered a fair contest. He acknowledged that while the rapid finish disappointed fans who had tickets for days three and four, the match featured moments of brilliant fast bowling and explosive batting that gripped audiences across the country. He added that the excitement of such performances could inspire more young players to take up the sport.
Still, the early finish wasn’t without financial consequences. With the third day sold out, Cricket Australia lost millions in ticket revenue and thousands of fans missed out on live action. One positive outcome, however, came from Perth Stadium’s decision to donate hundreds of kilos of unused food to local communities in need.
The focus now shifts to Brisbane, where the day-night second Test begins on December 4. The Gabba, known for its lively, fast-bowling-friendly surface, promises another intriguing chapter in this Ashes series.
