Australia have received a timely boost ahead of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba, with both Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood returning to the nets in Sydney. The fast-bowling duo, who missed the opening Test in Perth due to injury, trained at Cricket Central while New South Wales were in Sheffield Shield action.

Cummins, recovering from a back issue, was seen bowling with the pink ball,an encouraging sign with the Brisbane Test set to be a day-night fixture. According to head coach Andrew McDonald, the Australian captain is nearing the end of his rehabilitation. He noted that Cummins’ intensity and pace in the nets suggested real progress, though the final hurdle remains proving he can withstand the significant workload required in Test cricket.

The two-day finish in Perth has given Australia an extended break before the second Test, which has strengthened Cummins’ chances of returning. With the schedule tightening after Brisbane, his availability would be a major lift for the hosts as they aim to build on their early advantage.

Hazlewood Eyes Adelaide as Australia’s Pace Bench Shows Impressive Depth

Hazlewood, meanwhile, bowled with the red ball as he works his way back from a hamstring strain. Although he is not expected to feature in Brisbane, his presence at training has provided optimism that he will be ready for the third Test in Adelaide. McDonald indicated that the team expects Hazlewood to play a part later in the series once his early rehab phase is complete.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Rishabh Pant smiling after missing easy chance to stump Tristan Stubbs on Day 4 of IND vs SA 2nd Test

Australia’s depth has also been highlighted by impressive domestic performances. Xavier Bartlett’s standout display for Queensland,taking 4 for 35 and scoring a career-best 72,has placed him firmly on the selectors’ radar, though Australia may not need reinforcements if their frontline quicks return as planned. Michael Neser, the spare pacer in Perth, remains another strong option, especially at his home ground in Brisbane.

Jhye Richardson is also edging closer to full fitness after shoulder surgery. He bowled 20 overs for the Cricket Australia XI against England Lions and is expected to feature for Australia A next week. With Cummins likely for the Gabba and Hazlewood targeting Adelaide, Australia’s pace stocks appear to be strengthening at the perfect time.

Travis Head has a reputation for changing the tempo of a match within a handful of overs. But on a fiery Perth surface in the opening Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series, he unleashed arguably the most destructive knock of his career. Facing a tricky target of 205 after Australia were rattled by Ben Stokes’ spell earlier in the match, Head walked out to open and simply tore England apart.

The left-hander smashed 123 runs from just 83 balls, peppering the boundaries with 16 fours and four sixes, and turned what could have been a tense chase into a statement victory. Australia romped home by eight wickets inside two days, a rare instance of Ashes carnage finishing before the weekend truly began.

Along the way, Head not only thrilled the Perth crowd but also rewrote several chapters of cricket’s record books. Here are the five milestone achievements from his unforgettable century.

1 Second-fastest century in Ashes history

Head needed only 69 balls to reach his hundred, placing him among the absolute best in 147 years of Ashes rivalry. The only name ahead of him? The legendary Adam Gilchrist, who smashed a 57-ball hundred at the very same venue back in 2006.

Gilchrist ended unbeaten on 102 from 59 deliveries that day, a knock that still lives in Ashes folklore. Head’s innings now joins that elite stratosphere, highlighting the modern Australian approach of fearless, counterattacking cricket when the pressure is on.

2 Fastest fourth-innings hundred in Test cricket

Chasing in Test matches is a mental test, the scoreboard pressure, fielders around the bat, every mistake magnified. But Head made the fourth innings look like a Saturday afternoon net session.

He broke a 122-year-old record, surpassing Gilbert Jessop, whose 76-ball hundred at The Oval in 1902 had stood untouched for generations. Head’s strike-first intent turned a competitive chase into a sprint and left England with no time to react or reset their plans.

3 Joint-fastest Test hundred by an opening batter

Head’s attacking instincts have transformed him into a dynamic Test opener. With his 69-ball ton, he now shares the fastest century by a Test opener with another Australian power-hitter: David Warner - 69 balls vs India, Perth, 2012

Warner went big in that innings with 180. Head matched the speed and nearly matched the punch, proof that Perth continues to be a playground for Aussie stroke makers.

ALSO SEE: Taijul Islam breaks Shakib Al Hasan's all-time Test record for Bangladesh

4 Highest strike rate ever in a successful Test run chase

Head played like he was chasing a T20 total, not one set by arch-rivals England in the Ashes. His 123 off 83 balls came at a staggering 148.19 strike rate, now the all-time highest while successfully chasing in Tests.

He overtook England’s Jonny Bairstow, who set the previous record with a 147.82 strike rate while hunting down 299 against New Zealand in 2022. This was pure domination, England bowled short, full, wide, straight… but nothing slowed him down.

5 Joint third-fastest century by an Australian in Test cricket

Australia has produced some of the most aggressive batters in Test history - Gilchrist, Warner, Hayden… and now Head comfortably sits among those giants.

Fastest hundreds by Australians in Tests:

1. Adam Gilchrist - 57 balls (2006 vs England)
2. JM Gregory - 67 balls (1921 vs South Africa)
3. Travis Head - 69 balls (2025 vs England)
   David Warner - 69 balls (2012 vs India)

For Head to be tied on that list shows just how much of a game-breaker he has become.

A knock that defines a modern Ashes era

This innings wasn’t just about records, it was a statement:

• England had sniffed a famous win after Stokes’ fiery spell
• The pitch was lively and the match finely poised
• Head turned pressure into fireworks

In less than 29 overs, Australia sealed an eight-wicket win in a Test that lasted barely two days, a rarity in Ashes history.

The Travis Head effect

Head has made a habit of producing match-turning centuries at high tempo, his Ashes hundred at Brisbane in 2021 being another example. But this one felt definitive, a declaration that in this rivalry, Australia have a new tone-setter. If this is how the series has begun, England’s bowlers could be in for a long, or perhaps very short, few weeks.

England captain Ben Stokes conceded that his side were left completely “shellshocked” by Travis Head’s breathtaking knock, which powered Australia to a dominant eight-wicket victory in the opening Ashes Test in Perth. The match finished inside two days, as Australia rose above the early chaos and seized control with ruthless efficiency.

Boland’s burst and Head’s fireworks leave England stunned

England looked well placed at lunch on Day 2, having reached 65 for 1 with a lead approaching 100 runs. But their promising position evaporated within minutes. A dramatic collapse, four wickets tumbling for just 11 runs, handed Australia all the momentum. Scott Boland’s sharp burst ignited the turnaround, and although England’s lower-order fought to post 205, it was nowhere near enough once Head walked out.

With Usman Khawaja unavailable, the decision to promote Head to the top proved a masterstroke. The left-hander launched a fierce counter-attack, smashing 123 off just 83 balls in an innings packed with clean hitting and fearless intent. He single-handedly dismantled England’s plans and steered Australia to the target in only 28.2 overs.

ALSO SEE: India and Pakistan set to be in same group as ICC set to announce scehedule for T20 World Cup 2026

Speaking after the defeat, Stokes openly praised Australia’s match-winner. “That innings from Travis Head was pretty phenomenal,” he said. “It’s still very raw, but that knock really took the wind out of us. We tried different plans, but when someone’s going that hard, it’s tough to stop.”

England captain calls for quick reset ahead of crucial Brisbane Test

While critics pointed to England’s aggressive batting as a factor in their collapse, Stokes insisted the approach wasn’t the problem, execution was. “The players who took the game on found success,” he said. “Occupying the crease didn’t seem to work on this surface. On wickets like this, you never feel you have enough runs.”

Despite the disappointment, Stokes highlighted the positive impact of England’s five-man pace attack, which impressed during Australia’s first innings on a lively pitch that saw 19 wickets fall on Day 1. With a long break before the day-night Test in Brisbane starting December 4, England aim to regroup quickly.

“It hurts, obviously,” Stokes admitted. “But we’ve got four games left. We’ll let this sink in and then move on, we’ve got to hit the ground running in Brisbane.”

The stand-in captain for Australia, Steve Smith, in the absence of their regular Test captain, Pat Cummins, has confirmed the playing XI ahead of the opening Test of the Ashes 2025/26 at Optus Stadium in Perth. They have decided to go with two debutants, Brendan Doggett and Jake Weatherald, for the opening clash, besides missing a few top players. 

There were several discussions on the decision between Cameron Green and Beau Webster, and management has decided to go with the former. The Western Australia star went through a few rounds of the Sheffield Shield games and also bowled a few overs. Smith reckoned that Marnus Labuschagne had done enough to win a recall.

See Also: List of players to score ODI centuries against all Test-playing Nations ft. Shai Hope

“Marnus, when he's batting at his best at No.3, he makes us a very good cricket side. We couldn't really leave him out after he came back and did exactly what was told of him. The way he's batted in Shield and one-day cricket for Queensland in the last couple of weeks has been amazing.” Smith expressed at the press conference.

Australia confirm Jake Weatherald and Brendon Doggett’s debut in opening Ashes 2025/26 Test

Since the opening Ashes 2020/21 Test at the Gabba when Pat Cummins became the captain of the red-ball side, Australia have not lost a single home Test series. In six attempts, the only drawn series was against the West Indies a year ago.

“So when he's batting well, he's tough to leave out and hopefully he can bring that to the Test arena now. Beau, he's the one who misses out, unfortunately. He came into international cricket and lit it up immediately – it's a really tough one on him.” Smith shed light.

“Injuries happen in sport, particularly in cricket with fast bowlers, as they put a lot of stress on their bodies. Unfortunate that those two are out. But an exciting opportunity for Scotty (Boland) and for Brendan Doggett to make his debut.” Australia’s captain informed.

Australia’s playing XI for opening Ashes 2025/26 Test in Perth

Jake Weatherald, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland.

With over 140 years of enriching history, Australia and England go head to head again in the highly anticipated Ashes Series, commencing on 21 November 2025 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. 

The five-test rubber runs until 8th January 2026, with Brisbane (The Gabba and the host of the Day-Night Pink Ball Test), Adelaide, Melbourne (The Traditional Boxing Day Test venue), and Sydney (The New Year's Test) as the other venues (in order) for the rest of the four games.

The series holds humungous importance as ever, with stakes, pride, prestige, and bragging rights up for grabs, in addition to crucial World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 Points Table position. The mercury will soar high, and the tempers will flare. The Australian Summer has never been hotter.

The Historical Context of ‘The Ashes’

The cricketing clash between the two proud nations is one of sports’ greatest rivalries, which began in 1882-83. During that season, Australia, captained by Billy Murdoch, defeated England on the latter’s soil, and then the English media voiced out their brutal opinions.

A leading national daily, ‘The Sporting Times’, published an obituary, announcing the passing away of English Cricket in a condolence statement. Moreover, it stated that the ashes of the wooden bails, covering the stumps, will be transported to Australia post the funeral. 

That name stuck, and a subsequent English tour to Australia, led by Ivo Bligh, vowed to "regain the Ashes" and thus began the famous rivalry. The symbolic trophy, a small terracotta urn, was presented to the skipper after England won that series. It was brought back to Britain and is now housed at the Lord's Cricket Ground, London.

Consequently, the series between the sides became popular as ‘The Ashes’. Since then, the biennial event’s miniature yet renowned trophy has been considered to be the same ash vessel, a replica of which is now awarded to the winners.

See Also - Ashes 2025-26: Live streaming details , How and Where to watch for free?

The two arch-rivals have so far contested 340 test matches. The Aussies have triumphed on 140 instances, whereas the Englishmen have won on 108 occasions. Ninety-two games have ended in a draw. The series winners’ tally stands marginally in favour of Australia.

The current hosts have won 34 trophies as compared to England’s 32. There have been seven drawn series as well, and on six of them, Australia have retained the urn. The men from Down Under have retained the trophy since the 2017-18 season.

England last lifted the Ashes in 2015, at home, after emerging victorious 3-2. Further, it’s worth noting that it has been 15 years since England last won a test match in Australia. They had then defeated their rivals, away from home, in their den, by claiming the 2010-11 series 3-1.

The Australia and England Squads' Comparison for The Ashes 2025-26

Both, the home side, Australia, and the touring party, England, come in with a balanced but formidable unit. The sets of players chosen in the mix make the squads cover all bases.

While the Aussie men prefer to play the traditional brand of test cricket, on the contrary, their opponents, quintessentially, have been known for playing an attacking style in the red ball format of the game. Both groups feature players who are intrinsic strokemakers. Further, the sides are fully loaded with bowlers who carry raw pace in their ranks as well. 

Top Order -

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Jacob Bethell

The hosts enter the series with a string of doubts over their batting order. Sam Konstas has been overlooked, and the only thing that seems certain is the position of Usman Khawaja at the top. The latter is at the tail end of his career, and he might have a different opening partner in Jake Weatherald, come Perth.

If handed a debut, Jake will be the sixth different batting partner to Khawaja since David Warner's retirement. Marnus Labuschagne is back in form, courtesy of some great returns in Sheffield Shield Cricket. With Cameron Green going full tilt again, he's expected to play the all-rounder role. 

England, on the other hand, come with a definite assurance. Their top order has been tried, tested, and looks sorted, having been given a great and consistent run since 2019.

Their fearless approach to playing, synonymous with 'Bazball', has often laid the foundation of some impeccable victories. If the tourists are to have a great summer in Australia, the standout duo of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley must click. The only worry that might persist would be the dwindling batting form of Ollie Pope as the series progresses. 

Middle Order -

Australia: Steve Smith, Travis Head
England: Joe Root, Harry Brook

The middle order is the backbone and lifeline of any test side, and this time it is no different. It comprises the engine room and would play the maximum role in deciding the series. Steve Smith, the stand-in skipper for the first test, and Joe Root are the epicentre players of their respective sides and the reliable glue between the top and lower order.

Their batting prowess and experiences make them great, and the series would surely revolve around their performances. A test hundred in Australia has eluded Root, the current number one batter in the ICC rankings, ever since, and this might be his best chance to add that to his glorious repertoire. 

Harry Brook, ranked second in the ICC test list, is the modern-day sensation and has taken the cricketing world by storm. His almost negligible game time in Australia, hitherto, might give him a rough start initially. However, the English vice-captain is skilled magnificently and possesses all that it takes to succeed Down Under. Travis Head, similarly, loves to take the attack to the opposition, and England must not expect any mercy from him. 

All Rounders -

Australia: Cameron Green, Beau Webster
England: Ben Stokes, Will Jacks

The Aussie all-rounders seem bleak against the English leader, Ben Stokes, who is a cricket institution in himself. Batting, bowling or fielding, the latter is a literal workhorse and is second to none. His immaculate ability to keep going makes him tenacious and determined more than ever to win this Ashes series. He is also in great touch, having had an invaluable role to play in the Indian series during the UK summer.

The only issue that might prick the visitors is Stokes' tryst with frequent breakdowns. England would wish for him to be at his fittest and go full throttle at their opponents. He is arguably the sport's greatest ever player. 

Beau Webster might have to make way for Cameron Green as the lone fast-bowling all-rounder in the playing eleven. Make no mistake, the former performed exceedingly well against India last summer and fulfilled Green's absence effectively. 

Wicket Keepers -

Australia: Alex Carey, Josh Inglis
England: Jamie Smith

Australia's incumbent wicket-keeper, Alex Carey, has consolidated his position with the gloves in hand perfectly. Having debuted in The Ashes 2021-22, he has grown in his duties behind the stumps and has made useful batting contributions with the tailenders. The Southpaw has braved the effects of time and has had an assured international career so far. 

England's Jamie Smith is one of the few prodigious cricketing talents making rounds. The Surrey player has had an impactful initiation to test cricket, both with the bat and while donning the gloves in his hands. His ability to go 'horses for courses' makes him versatile and mature beyond his young age. He might lick his lips seeing the bounce on the Aussie pitches. 

Fast Bowlers -

Australia: Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Brendan Doggett, Michael Neser, Sean Abbott
England: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Matthew Potts

Both teams boast some heavy pace batteries, raring to go, and striking poles at above 90 miles an hour. The Aussie trio of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood are a menace and a nightmare for any batting line-up. Playing together, they have amassed 466 wickets at an average of 24.50 in 38 test matches.

However, Pat Cummins, the Aussie skipper, and Josh Hazlewood are recovering from their respective injuries and hence are not expected to play any role in the first game. The players that would fill those gaps bring with them rich pace bowling talent. Scott Boland, among them, is England's nemesis, having bowled exceptionally well in the limited game time he has had for his national team. 

The English quicks lack playing time with the red ball on the Australian pitches, and otherwise as well. Most of them have been hit by frequent injury bugs over the years. Therefore, it would be interesting to see how they manage their workloads under gruelling conditions over a period of two months.

If fit, they will unleash fire at the opposition batters and go neck and neck with their Aussie counterparts. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood can prove to be potent weapons for Ben Stokes. England, for the first time, possess an arsenal of bowlers that do not rely on traditional swing and seam bowling. They are now faster, fierier and lethal.  

Spinners -

Australia: Nathan Lyon 
England: Shoaib Bashir

The two spinners enter with a vast difference in experiences. Nathan Lyon has been plying himself for a long time now and has racked up 562 test wickets, yet.

He is arguably one of the greatest off-spinners of all time and is never far away from wickets, besides providing a break to the pacers through his lengthy spells. He has had a massive say regardless of the conditions, and that makes him irreplaceable.

Shoaib Bashir, on the contrary, is just in his second year of the longest format of the game. The English team management trusts him with the ball in his hands. His height to extract the bounce off the pitch, and the accuracy to hit the right lengths, could aid him in having fruitful returns for his side. 

The Conclusion

Ben Stokes really wants to be one of the few England captains to win the Ashes in Australia 🗣✨#Cricket #BenStokes #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/jiaNlWTquM

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 20, 2025

Experts say that this English side has all that it takes to succeed Down Under. As is evident, they possess similarities with the 2011-12 Ashes series-winning squad, and the players feel confident in their ranks to do so. Australia are never an easy force to reckon with anywhere, let alone in their backyard. 

However, they have been plagued with injuries of late, and a few uncertainties surround their batting form too. It will be crucial for both sides to set an early marker and lay the blueprint for the series' progression ahead.

Nevertheless, it would be a humdinger of a battle, with premium cricket on display, at some very aesthetic stadiums, among thousands of passionate fans of Australia and the Barmy Army. The buzz is real and at an all-time high. The former players have been raking up some mind games and banters, and so are the current ones. Taking a dig at the opposition is the flavour of the season.

The Aussie media has been at its bashing best and leaving no stone unturned in mocking the English group. The analysis and all the preparations are done. The predictions are already in. Expect fireworks under the scorching southern hemisphere sun. It will surely be a glorious couple of months, culminating in a wonderful spectacle of test cricket. After all, the greatest rivalry in any sport is waiting to heavily treat the fans globally. It's almost time. 

See Also - 'England’s Cocky Captain...' - Australian media mocks Ben Stokes ahead of 2025-26 Ashes series

Nasser Hussain has joined The Athletic as a columnist as part of our coverage of the Ashes, which begin on Friday in Perth.

“This is going to be a special series because it does feel like the culmination for this [England] regime. Not the end, but this is what they’ve built up… pic.twitter.com/HiG70fGkkM

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) November 17, 2025

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the stand-in captain for Australia in the first Ashes 2025-26 Test?

Steve Smith will serve as the stand-in captain for Australia in the first Test in Perth due to an injury to regular skipper Pat Cummins.

2. Which Australian grounds are hosting the Day-Night Test and the Boxing Day Test in the 2025-26 Ashes?

The Day-Night Test (pink ball), the second game of the series, will be hosted at The Gabba in Brisbane, drifting away from the streak of hosting it at the Adelaide Oval over the past few seasons. The iconic Boxing Day Test will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

3. When did England last win an Ashes Test match and series in Australia?

England last won an Ashes Test in Australia in 2011 (as part of the 2010-11 series), which remains their last series victory Down Under (winning 3-1).

4. Which England batsman is currently ranked number one in the ICC Test Rankings ahead of the series?

Joe Root, who is ranked number one in the ICC Test Batting Rankings, will be a central player for England as he searches for his first Test century in Australia.

See Also: 5 most controversial moments in Ashes history that shocked the cricketing world

England have kept their cards close to their chest ahead of the first Ashes Test in Perth, naming a 12-man squad that includes off-spinner Shoaib Bashir alongside a formidable pack of express quicks. With Mark Wood passed fit after hamstring soreness and bowling with serious heat in training, the visitors look increasingly likely to unleash an all-pace attack for the series opener starting Friday.

The final call rests between Bashir and seamer Brydon Carse, a decision heavily influenced by conditions at the traditionally quick and bouncy Perth Stadium. Pitch curator Isaac McDonald has promised plenty of pace and carry, aligning with England’s long-held plan to go all-seam. But with signs of dryness on the surface, Bashir remains firmly in the conversation.

Bashir’s Return and England’s Pace Gamble Shape Ashes Opener

Despite struggling in the lone warm-up match after returning from a broken finger, Bashir has earned England’s trust over the past year. The 22-year-old became the youngest English bowler to reach 50 Test wickets earlier this year and has been the team’s preferred spinner in red-ball cricket. His selection would mark the rare instance of an England player appearing in an Ashes Test without currently being attached to a county side.

However, the prospect of an attack featuring Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Stokes, and Carse, all touching 90mph, has drawn comparisons to the fastest English outfits of the past, including the storied 2005 and 1970-71 touring groups. With only five players in the squad having Test experience in Australia, England believe their lack of “scarring” could be a hidden advantage.

ALSO SEE: Mushfiqur Rahim becomes first Bangladesh player to achieve this feat in Tests

Atkinson echoed that sentiment, saying the group’s freshness brings clarity rather than fear: “No scars. A huge opportunity to do something special.”

Australia, meanwhile, are set to debut opener Jake Weatherald and may hand a first Test cap to quick Brendan Doggett following injuries to Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. With both sides dealing with new faces and fresh dynamics, the opening Test promises a fiery start to what is already shaping as a blockbuster Ashes summer.

Squads

England 12-man squad for 1st Test:
Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood.

Australia squad (1st Test):
Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.

A week before The Ashes, Australia sustained multiple injury concerns in the form of superstar pacer Josh Hazlewood and reserve pacer Sean Abbott. Both of the seamers were sent for scans on day three of the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Because of the niggle, none of them returned to the field for the remainder of the day.

Speaking about the double injury concerns, Australia captain Pat Cummins provides updates. Because of a back issue, Cummins, who was already ruled out of the first Test against England, was informed that the niggle of Hazlewood was probably not too serious, and he is hopeful to see him in the highly anticipated Test series. Though, he was not so optimistic about the availability of Sean Abbott.

"Joshy (Josh Hazlewood) was pretty confident when he walked out, so hopefully it shouldn’t be too much of an issue. It’s rare to get him chipper, so it was good to see him smiling. He knows his body really well. I think he was a little bit worried and wanted to get it checked out. I only saw him briefly, but he was a bit happier afterwards," Cummins said about Josh Hazlewood. Later,

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RCB skipper Rajat Patidar also got injured ahead of IPL 2026

Cricket Australia, in a statement, informed that the ace pacer is all clear to join the national camp for the Ashes. "(Hazlewood) underwent precautionary scans, which have cleared him of muscle strain. He will train as planned in the lead-up to the first Test in Perth," Cricket Australia said in its statement. 

The niggle of Josh Hazlewood not only worried the Australian cricket fans but also the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans, as their IPL 2025 winning captain, Rajat Patidar, is already out with a muscle injury and is expected to remain out of action for about four months. As of now, it is unclear when Patidar could make a comeback into competitive cricket. If the nature of the injury he sustained proves more serious, then the RCB skipper can miss the initial few matches of IPL 2026. 

The latest ODI World Cup winners Australia have shown their true caliber without prime bowlers as they stunned England in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener, which produced a high-scoring multiple record-breaking match at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 

Australian captain Steven Smith chose to field first after winning the toss as they expected dew in the second innings. It proved to be true as England scored the record-breaking total in tournament history with 351/8, and Australia comfortably chased down the target in 47.3 overs after losing five wickets to set a new highest total record (356/5) in ICC Champions Trophy history.  

See Also: IML 2025: Binny & Yusuf Pathan Lead India Masters to score 223-Run Target for Sri Lanka Master

Ben Duckett recorded highest score in ICC Champions Trophy

Opener Ben Duckett had an important role in England's innings to set a record target for Australia. Although Duckett was busy scoring quickly in the powerplay, his opening partner Phil Salt (10) fell early. England's testing with Jamie Smith (15) didn't work well, as the youngster only faced 13 balls.

Duckett and Joe Root built the English innings and guided the team to a big total. They had a 158-run partnership for the third wicket. While Duckett scored 50 runs off 49 balls, Root completed his half-century in 56 balls. Adam Zampa broke that partnership after dismissing Root for 68 off 78 balls (four fours).

While Harry Brook (3) fell early, captain Jos Buttler (23) and Liam Livingstone (14) couldn't add big runs. However, Duckett had a valuable 61-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Buttler, where the opener dominated. Duckett completed his third ODI century in 95 balls. Later, the opener added more power to record the highest individual score in tournament history by becoming the first player to score 150 runs in the ICC Champions Trophy. He completed 150 runs in 134 balls and scored 165 off 143 balls with 17 fours and three sixes before Marnus Labuschagne dismissed him in the 48th over. 

Jofra Archer scored 21 not out off just 10 balls to ensure a record total in the ICC Champions Trophy as England became the first team to score 350+ runs in the ICC Champions Trophy.

Among the Aussie bowlers, Ben Dwarshuis took three wickets (3/66), while Adam Zampa (2/64) and Marnus Labuschagne (2/41) got two wickets each. 

Josh Inglis recorded joint-fastest century in ICC Champions Trophy to record highest chase in tournament

Chasing down the giant target, Australia lost their opener Travis Head (6) and skipper Steven Smith (5) cheaply, which made the chasing almost impossible for them in the early look. However, another opener Matthew Short controlled the situation with Marnus Labuschagne. They had a 95-run partnership for the third wicket before Labuschagne (47 off 45 balls) and Short (63 off 66 balls) lost their wickets in quick succession. 

While Australia were once again in a tough situation in the record chase, English bowlers then struggled to handle the dew effect. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis and Alex Carey slammed a solid 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket that destroyed English hope. Inglis reached 50 runs in 41 balls, and Carey completed his half-century in 49 balls. Although Brydon Carse dismissed Carey for 69 off 63 balls (eight fours), Inglis' spirit was unharmed, and he got another strong support from Glenn Maxwell. 

In less than six overs, Inglis and Maxwell set a 74-run partnership for the unbroken sixth wicket. Inglis equalled the fastest century record in ICC Champions Trophy history by completing it in 77 balls. The English bowlers had no answer in the tough bowling conditions, where the Aussie middle-order batters had no mercy. 

Player of the Match Inglis scored 120 not out off 86 balls with eight fours and six sixes. Meanwhile, Maxwell was not out for 32 runs in 15 balls with four fours and two sixes. Five out of six English bowlers managed to pick a wicket, but none of them added any others to the tally. 

Australian wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis rewrote the history of the fastest century in ICC Champions Trophy history, as his heroic batting performance played a major role in Australia's stunning win against England by recording the highest total in tournament history. 

It was the first match for both Australia and England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore hosted the fourth match of the tournament, where England scored the record tournament total of 351/8 in 50 overs, majorly thanks to opener Ben Duckett's tournament record-breaking score of 165 off 143 balls (17 fours and three sixes). 

Although Australia lost their first two wickets cheaply, Matthew Short and Marnus Labuschgane first handled the early situation, and later, the wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis dominated with the support of Alex Carey and Glenn Maxwell. 

Inglis had a 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Carey, and then he set another flying 74-run partnership with Maxwell for the unbroken sixth wicket, which lasted for 35 legitimated balls to secure an unforgettable victory in tournament history. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India vs Pakistan - Check long list of prohibited for spectators

Josh Inglis recorded joint-fastest century in ICC Champions Trophy history

After completing his half-century in 41 balls, Inglis rushed to his maiden ODI century in just 77 balls. By completing his century, Inglis equaled the record for the fastest century in ICC Champions Trophy history. Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag previously held the record for lonely after scoring a 77-ball century against England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2002. 

Wicketkeeper-batter Inglis scored 120 not out off only 86 balls with the help of eight fours and six sixes. It was the third-highest score by a wicketkeeper-batter in the ICC Champions Trophy. While it was the fifth time that a wicketkeeper-batter recorded a Champions Trophy century, three of these have recorded this edition. 

ICC Champions Trophy: Wicketkeeper-batters with centuries

Hosting nation Pakistan adds a new embarrassment to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the organisers mistakenly played the Indian national anthem during the Group B match Australia vs England on Saturday afternoon (February 22).

It is the fourth match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 where two-time winners Australia are facing two-time runners-up England, and both are starting their journey in the tournament with this match. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is hosting this match as it is the first game of the tournament at this venue. 

Also Listen: Sachin Tendulkar's famous "main khelega" story

Played Indian national anthem instead of Australian national anthem

Australian captain Steven Smith chose to bat first after winning the toss in their tournament opener. Just before the beginning of England's innings in the match, both teams lined up for the national anthem. It was the time for the Australian national anthem when the organisers mistakenly played the Indian national anthem. Later, they learned that mistake and stopped it to play the original anthem. Aussie cricketers and fans were stunned by that mistake.  

Indian national anthem in #ENGvsAUS match😂
yeh yeh porki bolte hai hamara andian mazaak kyu udaate hai...#ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/073TQKAGN6

— Right choice (@Bipulkumar88088) February 22, 2025

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India aren't playing Pakistan

In the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India aren't playing any of their matches in Pakistan. Due to long-term political issues between the two countries and security reasons, the Men in Blue haven't traveled to Pakistan, and they are playing all their matches in the tournament at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. 

In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, India are in Group A along with hosts Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. The Men in Blue started the tournament with a six-wicket win against Bangladesh, and they will face arch-rival Pakistan on Sunday (February 23) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.