Just weeks after forecasting a record year ahead, Cricket Australia is facing a multi-million dollar drain from the rapid-fire two-day Ashes opener.

A combination of Travis Head 's all-time Ashes knock and Bazball's cavalier, reckless approach to batting led to the first game of the blockbuster series in Perth ending late on day two.

CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million from ticket revenue for days three and four.

A record 101,514 attended the Test - 51,531 on Friday, then 49,983 - to surpass the record set of 96,463 in Perth last year when India won in four days. Day three was also almost sold out.

After his innings Head said: "Feel sorry for the people that can't come tomorrow. I think it was a full house again."

Speaking before play on Saturday, when Aust

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