India, Nov. 23 -- The Ashes 2025-26 series got off to a blockbuster start at the Optus Stadium in Perth as the first Test lived up to the high billing with hosts Australia winning the contest by eight wickets inside two days. After dominating the game for one and a half days, England squandered the advantage by losing nine wickets in the second session on Day 2 despite gaining a 40-run lead in the first innings. Australia then chased down the target of 205 in one session with Travis Head hammering 123 runs off 83 balls, leaving England captain Ben Stokes "shellshocked."

England legend Sir Geoffrey Boycott minced no words as he tore into the Stokes-led side for their performance in Perth and how the visitors let go of a golden opportunity...