Australia's Head, Starc orchestrate England downfall in two-day Ashes rout

PERTH :Makeshift opener Travis Head scored a brilliant century and paceman Mitchell Starc claimed a 10-wicket haul as Australia ran out eight-wicket victors against England on Saturday inside an astonishing two days during the Ashes opener at Perth Stadium.

The manic style of cricket, which produced the shortest Ashes test by overs-bowled to deliver a result since 1888, kept the crowd enthralled as both sides gained and relinquished the ascendancy throughout.

"That was incredible to witness," Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith said after Head struck a match-winning 123 off 83 balls. 

"Trav took it on and played one of the great Ashes knocks."

HEAD DELIVERS KNOCKOUT BLOW

England had set Australia a target of 205 after being bowled out for 164 by tea on day two, losing nine second-session wickets in the wake of a Scott Boland masterclass of four for 33.

Head, replacing opener Usman Khawaja, who gingerly left the field in England's 27th over with back trouble, got Australia's run chase off to a rollicking start, giving the tourists a taste of their own 'Bazball' medicine in the third session.

The near 50,000-strong crowd came to life when Head slashed Brydon Carse for six over third man to bring up 50 for his side, and later roared their approval when he peeled four boundaries off Ben Stokes' second over.

Marnus Labuschagne added an unbeaten 49-ball 51 after debutant Jake Weatherald (23) fell to Carse, but the moment belonged to Head, who after 69 balls brought up Australia's equal-third fastest century with a risky upper-cut and scurried single.

"I was just pleased with the way I started and when we got around that 40, 50 partnership, it felt like it was right there for the taking," Head said.

The fourth innings raced to a