Four-Minute Review Controversy Rocks England as Head\’s 123 Fires Australia to Test Win

PERTH — The First Test between Australia and England will be remembered not only for a sensational batting performance but also for a highly controversial intervention by technology that defined England\’s second innings collapse.

Australia secured an eight-wicket win, chasing down 205 runs on Day Two, thanks to Travis Head\’s breathtaking 123 runs.

The drama reached a peak during England’s innings when Jamie Smith was given not out off a pull shot against Brendan Doggett. Australia reviewed the caught-behind appeal, triggering a process that lasted well over four minutes.

The Ultra Edge technology displayed a spike, but there appeared to be a gap or a delay between the ball passing the bat and the spike registering. The evidence was eventually ruled conclusive enough to overturn the decision, sending Smith—who complicated the matter by beginning to walk off when the spike first appeared—back to the pavilion.

Before the controversy, Mitchell Starc had earlier produced a moment of brilliance with a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Zak Crawley.

England were ultimately bundled out for 164. The damage was led by Scott Boland, who registered the best figures of 4-33, with Starc and Doggett chipping in with three wickets each.

Australia’s chase was fraught with its own drama: star opener Usman Khawaja was unable to bat after a back issue flared up while attempting a catch at first slip. The injury forced a change in the batting order.

Travis Head walked out in Khawaja’s place and produced what commentators called a career-defining innings. Head\’s 123, scored off just 69 balls, demolished England\’s bowling attack. He was eventually caught by Ollie Pope near the boundary. With Marnus Labuschagne steadying the ship with 51 not out, stand-in captain Steve Smith finished the match, driving the winning runs to complete the eight-wicket victory.