Australian opener Travis Head once again proved to be England’s biggest headache in the Ashes 2025–26, delivering a commanding century on Day 3 of the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The left-hander not only registered his first Test hundred at the iconic venue but also etched his name into the record books with another milestone performance.
Resuming the day on an overnight score of 91, Head wasted little time in reaching his hundred. He brought up the landmark with a stylish cover-drive boundary early in the morning session, completing his century in just 105 deliveries.
It marked his third hundred of the series, following earlier match-defining knocks in Perth and Adelaide.
With this effort, Head levelled the record for the most centuries by an opener in a single Ashes series, joining an elite group that includes legendary names such as Matthew Hayden, Alastair Cook, Michael Slater, and Jack Hobbs.
His consistency at the top of the order has been one of Australia’s biggest strengths throughout the series.
Head continued to dominate England’s bowling attack after reaching his century, finding gaps with ease and punishing anything loose.
He shared a valuable 72-run partnership for the third wicket with nightwatchman Michael Neser, further denting England’s hopes of early breakthroughs. Neser was eventually dismissed when Brydon Carse found the edge, with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith completing the catch.
Unfazed by the loss of his partner, Head pressed on and soon crossed the 150-run mark, reaching the milestone off just 152 balls.
During his marathon knock, he also went past 600 runs in the series, becoming only the ninth opener in Ashes history to achieve the feat and the first since Alastair Cook in 2010–11.
Head’s innings was not without drama. He survived a major reprieve on 121 when Will Jacks dropped a straightforward catch on the boundary.
The missed opportunity proved costly as Head continued to pile on the runs, including a flurry of boundaries that took Australia past the 200-run mark.
His outstanding knock finally came to an end shortly after lunch when Jacob Bethell trapped him lbw as he attempted a sweep shot.
Head reviewed the decision, but ball-tracking confirmed the on-field call. He walked back to the pavilion after a superb 163 off 166 balls, an innings studded with 24 fours and a six.
At that stage, Australia were 288 for 4, still trailing England’s first-innings total of 384, built around Joe Root’s magnificent 160. With the series already memorable for Head, his latest effort further underlined his status as one of the standout performers of the Ashes.
