England's travelling cricket supporters demonstrated remarkable resilience in defeat, significantly increasing their expenditure in the days following their team's loss in the first Ashes Test against Australia.
Post-Match Spending Surge
According to exclusive data shared by Revolut with City AM, the Barmy Army spent 59 per cent more in the immediate aftermath of the match, which concluded unexpectedly early in Perth on Friday 28 November 2025. The Test finished inside just two days, with an astonishing 19 wickets falling on the opening day alone.
While English fans reduced their spending on traditional match-day categories like bars, restaurants and merchandise following the defeat, this was more than compensated for by substantial increases in other areas. Their expenditure on fast food rose by 43 per cent, grocery shopping jumped by 48 per cent, and transport costs skyrocketed by an incredible 221 per cent as they used their unexpected free time to explore beyond the city centre.
Contrasting Australian Response
In stark contrast to their English counterparts, Australian fans in Perth actually reduced their spending by nine per cent despite their team's emphatic victory. Expenditure in bars, cafes and restaurants halved in the post-match period, suggesting local supporters were quicker to return to their normal routines.
Fiona Davies, Head of Growth for UK, Ireland and Nordics at Revolut, commented: "The Ashes is always one of the most anticipated moments in the cricketing calendar for the English and Australians alike, and the spending uplift we've witnessed in Perth definitely reflects that, despite an earlier than expected finish to the first Test."
Match Day Spending Explosion
During the two days of actual play, England fans showed no signs of holding back. Their overall spending was up 164 per cent compared to the previous week, with some categories seeing extraordinary increases.
The most dramatic surge came in merchandise spending, which increased by more than 2,000 per cent during the Test match. Supporters also shelled out over 400 per cent more on drinking and boosted their spending on meals by 550 per cent, according to the Revolut data.
Australian fans showed more modest spending habits during the match itself, with their overall expenditure increasing by just 19 per cent compared to pre-match levels, and this outlay dropped off again immediately after the game concluded.
The entire Ashes series is projected to generate approximately £250 million for the Australian economy, largely driven by thirsty English tourists. However, the quick conclusion to the opening match dealt a blow to Cricket Australia's finances, with an estimated £1.5 million lost in ticket revenue.
All eyes now turn to the second Test in Brisbane, scheduled to begin on Thursday, where both teams and their supporters will have another opportunity to make their mark on and off the field.
