The Ashes is known for long, hard-fought Test matches, but history has also seen some games finish with shocking speed. The 2025-26 Ashes opener in Perth joined that rare class after its conclusion in less than two days, while the 2025 Boxing Day Test at the MCG moved quickly as well and could soon be entering the record books once the exact number of balls is confirmed. England's batting on all occasions fell under pressure; it was, therefore, the bowlers dominating through the eras that stood apart for the quick decisions of these matches. Here is an analytical version of the four Ashes Tests that ended soon, judging by their balls bowled down. Shortest Ashes Tests by Balls Bowled 1. Old Trafford, 1888 – 788 Balls Old Trafford, 1888; The shortest ever Test in the Ashes, lasting for all of 788 balls. The Englishmen batted first and were dismissed for 172. Australian bowler Charlie Turner was outstanding, picking five wickets. The Australians batted with difficulty in their reply; they could muster only 81 runs against the seven-wicket haul from Bobby Peel. The follow-on was enforced on the Australians, and they totally collapsed yet again, getting bundled for 70 runs. Once again, Peel was the pick of the English bowlers, taking four wickets for 37 runs. England wrapped up the Test match by an innings and 21 runs in what was a hurry even by the standards of that time. 2. Lord's, 1888 – 792 Balls Another lightning-fast Ashes Test was played at Lord's just weeks before. Australia batted first to be dismissed for 116, Bobby Peel and Johnny Briggs taking seven wickets among them. England then suffered a stunning collapse, getting bowled out for just 53; Turner took five of those wickets. In their second innings, Australia could only manage 60 while Peel and George Lohmann took four wickets each. Lured by a low target of 124, England failed again with just 62 runs. Five wickets each to JJ Ferris and Turner saw Australia win dramatic and very short Test. 3. Perth Stadium, 2025 – 847 Balls The 2025-26 Ashes opening in Perth became the shortest Ashes Test of the modern era, completed in only 847 balls. England were bowled out for 172 in the first innings, with Mitchell Starc displaying the form of his life in taking seven wickets. Australia then collapsed somewhat unexpectedly for 132; credit must go to Ben Stokes for his five-wicket haul. It got no better for England in the second innings, as they were dismissed for 164, with Scott Boland being very much in the contest taking out four batters. Australia made the chase look very easy; Travis Head made the match-defining century as the hosts chased down the target with 8 wickets in just under 2 days. 4. Melbourne Cricket Ground, 2025 – Balls Unconfirmed The Boxing Day Test of the 2025 Ashes at MCG also wound up in less than two days, once again making it to the record-fastest Tests in Ashes history. The official count of balls faced is yet to be verified, though the match is already firmly seated on this list. Match Summary: Australia: 152 & 132 England: 110 & 158/5 (29 overs). Australia off the blocks strong with early fight with the ball sent England back cheaply in their first innings, with the England team fighting a little in the second innings but failing to make a difference as Australia bag another quick one at the celebrated venue. Once the ball count is finalized, this Test might move further up in the all-time rankings