Ashes first Test Australia player ratings: Mitchell Starc 'overshadowed' by Travis Head but flawless with the ball
In a match that ebbed and flowed over just two days, Australia left England shellshocked after a remarkable first Test win.
England looked like it was a chance when the total of 205 was set for victory, but Travis Head had another idea.
The aggressive left-hander changed the course of the match in just one session, delivering victory with a 69-ball ton.
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Head wasn't the only star player for Australia, with Mitchell Starc awarded player of the match for his bowling.
Here's how Wide World of Sports has rated every Aussie player.
1. Jake Weatherald - 5
Had the pressure of facing the first ball in the first innings and probably didn't expect to be opening with Marnus Labuschagne. Was out for a second ball duck on his first go, but looked solid and assertive when he had another dig. He will be better for the experience.
2. Travis Head - 9.5
Only 21 in the first innings with a poor shot, but who cares? That century was incredible and will go down in Ashes folklore.
Australia's Travis Head celebrates his century on day two of the first Ashes cricket test match between Australia and England in Perth, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025.(AP Photo/Gary Day) AP
3. Marnus Labuschagne - 6
Looked like he'd done the hard yards well in the first innings before he was slightly unlucky. Thrived off Head's intent in the second, and it looks like we might finally have an in-form Marnus back.
4. Steve Smith - 6
Similar to Labuschagne, he did the hard yards then fell for 17. A short cameo followed, but it was his captaincy that shone through at Perth. He was brilliant with his tactics and bowling changes. Australia's lucky to have him available when Pat Cummins goes down.
5. Usman Khawaja - 2
An incredibly tough Test for the veteran. Troubled by injury and copped a beauty from Brydon Carse. The situation now for Khawaja is interesting. Can his body hold up for five Tests?
Usman Khawaja leaves the field again. Fox Cricket
6. Cameron Green - 6
A solid performance from the all-rounder. Barely looked troubled by his injuries, and the 24 in the first innings proved vital. Only three overs to his name, but it was an important wicket he took when Ollie Pope was trapped in front.
7. Alex Carey - 7
Wasn't noticeable with the gloves, and that's ideal. No problems at all behind the stumps, and played a similar innings to Green. Would like his shot back again, but it doesn't matter now.
8. Mitchell Starc - 10
Would've known it was up to him to be the main man with Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood gone. Stepped up to the plate like the seasoned professional he is. That 7-58 will be overshadowed by Head's brilliance, but it was the most important part of Australia's performance. Deservedly named player of the match.
Australia's Mitchell Starc celebrates the wicket of Ben Stokes on day two of the first Ashes Test. Cameron Spencer via Getty Images
9. Nathan Lyon - 2
Hard to judge his performance considering he only bowled two overs and scored four runs.
10. Scott Boland - 7
The fast bowler looked like he was in trouble after going at six runs an over in the first innings. Then returned to the Scott Boland of old when he had the ball again, taking 4-33.
11. Brendan Doggett - 7.5
Five wickets on debut is a very solid performance. The majority of his wickets came from short balls, but he beat the bat a lot. If Pat Cummins is back for The Gabba, it will be very unlucky that he's left out.
