Head's 69-ball ton leads Australia to victory in low-scoring Ashes opener

Makeshift opener Travis Head smacked an explosive 69-ball century to power Australia to victory in a high-octane first Ashes Test yesterday as England meekly surrendered in the Perth Stadium cauldron.

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Chasing 205 to win, Head slammed 123 as the hosts romped home on day two by eight wickets in an electric start to the five-match series. Marnus Labuschagne was not-out 51 and Steve Smith on two.

“Wow, what a couple of days. It’s been unbelievable,’ said Head. “The emotions are pretty high.

“They [England] were seriously good out there yesterday and started to drag it back, so we knew we couldn't afford to let the game slip. To be able to contribute the way did, it feels pretty special”

Head's heroics came on the back of a blistering spell from marauding pace pair Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc after lunch that sparked a stunning England collapse.

The tourists were cruising at 65-1 and building an ominous second-innings lead, but Boland and Stare left them reeling with four wickets in as many overs.