Last Updated on 5 months ago by Charbel Coorey
Optus Stadium in Perth has played host to five Tests, with the first in 2018-19. Australia beat India by 146 runs on that occasion, with team efforts with the bat – plus Nathan Lyon’s eight wickets – trumping Virat Kohli’s magnificent century.
Australia went on to win the first four Tests at this ground before India ended that run in 2024. Their dominance in Perth, where opposing teams have often found the going difficult, is not a huge surprise. However, some of the records at Optus Stadium may raise an eyebrow or two.
Optus Stadium Perth records: Teams batting first dominate
Results in Tests at Optus Stadium Perth
- 2018/19: Australia beat India by 146 runs
- 2019/20: Australia beat New Zealand by 296 runs
- 2022/23: Australia beat West Indies by 164 runs
- 2023/24: Australia beat Pakistan by 360 runs
- 2024/25: India beat Australia by 295 runs
The team who batting first has won all five Tests easily, although Australia were made to work hard by West Indies in the fourth innings in 2022/23.
Teams set up their wins in the first innings, including India who scored just 150 in 2024. The overall first innings score is 395.4 with three scores above 400.
Pace vs. spin records: Don’t discount the spinners, especially Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon leads the bowling records at Optus Stadium in Perth. On a ground where bounce is the common theme, Lyon has benefitted most, taking 29 wickets at a superb average of 20.86.
Lyon thrives on bounce. His overspin will be sure to test England in the Ashes. Ben Stokes’ team will look to take him on, which should make for a fascinating battle.
Overall, pace bowlers have taken 129 wickets at an average of 27.76, nearly seven runs better than spin’s 34.52.
Most runs: Marnus Labuschagne
Australia needs a big series from Marnus Labuschagne. He has enjoyed great success on this ground, striking 524 runs at an average of 74.85. This includes three centuries in four matches, with a top score of 204 against West Indies in 2022/23.
| Pace | Spin |
| 134 wickets | 46 wickets |
| Average: 27.76 | Average: 34.52 |
| Economy: 3.02 | Economy: 3.16 |
| Five-wicket hauls: 5 | Five-wicket hauls: 2 |
Other key records at Optus Stadium Perth:
- Highest team score: 598/4 by Australia (batting first) vs. West Indies in 2022/23.
- Lowest team score: 89 by Pakistan (batting fourth) vs. Australia in 2023/24.
- Highest individual score: 204 by Marnus Labuschagne vs. West Indies in 2022/23.
- Best bowling figures in an innings: 6/56 by Mohammed Shami vs. Australia in 2018/19.
- Average score in the fourth innings: 194.2.
