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Australia completed a historic run chase against England in the first Test of the 2025 Ashes on November 22 (Saturday), chasing 205 in just 28.2 overs. It is the fastest 200+ run chase in the history of Test cricket, as the hosts knocked the target in seven overs fewer than the previous record holders - England.
England chased down 205 back in 1994 against South Africa at The Oval in 35.3 overs, which, before today, was the fastest 200+ run chase in Test history. Chasing 205, Australia got off to the best start possible, all thanks to Travis Head’s blistering 83-ball 123, with the left-hander putting on a 69-ball 75 stand alongside debutant Jake Weatherald.
Later on, Head brought up his century off just 69 balls, the second-fastest in Ashes history for Australia, only behind Adam Gilchrist’s 57-ball effort in Perth back in 2006/07 Ashes. While Head was dismissed soon after, it didn’t stop Australia, who remarkably finished the run chase in under 29 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Fastest run-chase (by overs) in 200+ run chase in Tests
28.2 - AUS vs ENG, Perth, 2025*
35.3 - ENG vs SA, The Oval, 1994
39.4 - NZ vs BAN, Wellington, 2017
40.3 - SL vs ENG, The Oval, 2024
41.3 - AUS vs NZ, Hamilton, 2000
Fewest balls played in an Ashes Test match in Australia
847 balls - Perth, 2025*
911 balls - Sydney, 1895
1034 balls - Brisbane, 1950
1081 balls - Melbourne, 1904
Fewest balls played in a Test match in Australia
656 balls - AUS vs SA, Melbourne, 1932
847 balls - AUS vs ENG, Perth, 2025*
866 balls - AUS vs SA, Brisbane, 2022
901 balls - AUS vs WI, Sydney, 2016