Travis Head Shines Again as Australia Dominates England in Ashes Series

Travis Head's outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 142, has put Australia in a commanding position against England in the Ashes series. With a 356-run lead and only needing a draw to retain the trophy, Head's century, along with Alex Carey's contribution, has left England struggling. Despite some early successes, England's captain Ben Stokes opted not to bowl, further complicating their efforts. As the series progresses, the pressure mounts on England to respond effectively. Read on for a detailed account of the match's developments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 19, 2025, 20:11 IST

Head's Stellar Performance at Adelaide Oval

Travis Head once again showcased his prowess against England, scoring his second century of the Ashes series, propelling Australia towards a likely series victory on the third day at Adelaide Oval on Friday.

With an impressive unbeaten score of 142 in front of a passionate crowd of 53,696, Head helped Australia reach 271 for four at the end of the day, establishing a commanding 356-run lead after dismissing England for 286 earlier in the day.

Currently, Australia leads the five-match series 2-0, having secured comfortable wins in Perth and Brisbane, and only requires a draw in Adelaide to retain the Ashes trophy.

Head's teammate, Alex Carey, also contributed significantly, remaining not out on 52, as the duo formed an unbroken partnership of 122 runs, further sealing England's fate.

Head's century was reminiscent of his explosive 123 runs off just 83 balls in Perth's fourth innings, adding to England's woes.

The second century almost slipped away when he edged a low shot to gully at 99, but Harry Brook dropped the crucial catch.

In the next over, Head celebrated his hundred with a boundary off Will Jacks, reaching the milestone in 146 balls, receiving a warm ovation from the crowd as he knelt to kiss the pitch that has been pivotal in his career with South Australia.

England Struggles Without Stokes

England's captain Ben Stokes, appearing fatigued, chose not to bowl, leaving the team struggling to contain Head, despite some success against other Australian batsmen.

According to England's bowling coach Jeetan Patel, Stokes is fit to bowl but is feeling exhausted.

Australia faced early setbacks with opener Jake Weatherald (1), Marnus Labuschagne (13), and Cameron Green (7) dismissed cheaply. However, Usman Khawaja joined Head for a crucial 86-run partnership after Australia was at 53 for two.

Khawaja was dismissed for 40, caught behind off a part-time delivery from Jacks, which was a fortunate wicket for England.

Green then edged a delivery from Josh Tongue to the slips, where Brook made a superb catch, leaving Australia at 155 for four and their lead reduced to 240 runs, giving England a glimmer of hope.

However, Carey, in excellent form after scoring 106 in the first innings and 63 in Brisbane's second test, added another half-century as the day progressed.

England's day in the field was largely unproductive, despite some commendable batting earlier on.

Resuming at 213 for eight, England's hopes rested on Stokes and tailender Archer, who both reached half-centuries in a 106-run partnership, marking one of their better phases in the series.

Archer celebrated his first test fifty with a single off Pat Cummins, complementing his five-wicket haul from Australia's first innings.

Mitchell Starc eventually broke the partnership with a sharply seaming delivery that bowled Stokes for 83, leaving England still 97 runs behind Australia's first innings total of 371.

Archer (51) and number 11 Tongue (seven not out) managed to reduce the deficit by 12 runs before Archer fell to Scott Boland, marking his third wicket.