Few would have predicted England collapsing to defeat in the opening Ashes Test at the Optus Stadium in Perth, especially after securing a 40-run lead on a lively surface. Yet that is precisely the outcome, as England suffered a dramatic batting meltdown before Travis Head unleashed a blistering 69-ball century to propel Australia to a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series. While Head’s explosive knock has dominated the conversation, England’s slide from 65 for 1 to 88 for 6 in a short, chaotic period handed Australia complete control. Ollie Pope, Harry Brook and Joe Root all fell in quick succession, each chasing balls pitched wide outside the off stump. Root’s dismissal, bowled by Mitchell Starc, left former England pacer Stuart Broad visibly stunned in the Channel 7 commentary box — a reaction that instantly lit up social media.Also Watch:
Sitting beside an elated Matthew Hayden, Broad closed his eyes in disbelief as Root’s stumps were shattered. The moment, posted by Seven’s cricket account, has racked up 2.5 million views by Monday morning, while Sky Sports’ version has drawn more than 485,000 views. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, the 39-year-old explained that his reaction mirrored the emotions of supporters back home. “I think that was exactly how every England cricket fan felt. You just wanted to close your eyes for 10 seconds and hope it wasn’t real. That clip went on social media and became a GIF,” Broad said. He added that the raw emotion is part of what makes the Ashes so compelling. “The match was shifting every hour, and you had no idea what was coming next.” The Test concluded inside two days, with Australia chasing down 205 in the final session thanks to Head’s commanding 123. Marnus Labuschagne contributed an unbeaten fifty as the hosts cruised to an eight-wicket victory. Broad believes the series promises high drama if the intensity of the cricket continues, though he stressed that England must seize crucial moments more effectively. “If the cricket keeps going at that pace and with that emotion, we’re in for a brilliant summer. England just need to grasp key phases better.” England and Australia now move to Brisbane for the pink-ball second Test at the Gabba, beginning Thursday, 4 December.
