Cricket Australia faced a multi-million-dollar drain after the rapid-fire two-day Ashes opener, which lasted just 847 deliveries, making it the shortest Ashes Test by balls bowled since 1888.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The opening Test saw 19 wickets fall on Day 1 as England were bowled out for 172 with Mitchell Starc taking career-best figures of 7-58 before Australia's batters collapsed to 121\/9 at stumps. Day 2 saw 13 wickets fall and 380 runs put on the board as England were bowled out for 164 before Travis Head's incredible 123 guided Australia to an eight-wicket win and 1-0 lead in the five-match series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The result of the early finish meant CA lost ticket revenue from Days 3 and 4 and headed for an estimated loss of more than USD 3 million. \u201cIt did hurt. I\u2019m not going to shy away from the fact that it hurt. Of course, you work in professional sport, you want to win,\" Greenberg declared on SEN\u2019s coverage of the Second Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut we had to give back not hundreds of thousands, but we are talking millions and millions back. So, look, I\u2019m buoyed by the fact that it was the first time in 104 years that it happened. And I\u2019m hoping that it might happen in another 104 years and some other poor bugger has got to do it in 100 years again,\" he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The result of the early finish meant CA lost ticket revenue from Days 3 and 4 and headed for an estimated loss of more than USD 3 million. \u201cIt did hurt. I\u2019m not going to shy away from the fact that it hurt. Of course, you work in professional sport, you want to win,\" Greenberg declared on SEN\u2019s coverage of the Second Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Notably, at the annual general meeting last month, CA announced a loss of USD 11.3 million and took strong criticism from Cricket Victoria chair Ross Hepburn for the financial performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n