Travis Head Shines with a Stellar 142* in Third Ashes Test Against England
Travis Head's Dominance at Adelaide Oval
Adelaide [Australia], December 19: Travis Head showcased his exceptional batting skills once again on home soil, playing a pivotal role at the top of Australia's batting lineup during the third Ashes Test against England.
Head delivered a powerful performance, finishing day three with an impressive score of 142 not out off 196 balls, which included 13 boundaries and two sixes, achieving a strike rate exceeding 72.
Reflecting on his innings, Head stated, "I was just going to bide my time. Went through it well. We got there eventually. It wasn’t probably too long."
This century marked his fourth at the Adelaide Oval, tying him with legends David Warner, David Boon, and Allan Border for the most centuries at this venue. The 31-year-old faced a few tense moments before reaching his hundred, needing nine balls to convert his score, which included a dropped catch by Harry Brook.
He celebrated his century with a boundary off Joe Root's off-spin and kissed the ground, where he boasts an impressive average of 87.33. At the end of the day, he stood at 142* off 196 deliveries, with 13 fours and two sixes.
Head expressed his surprise at achieving four centuries at the Adelaide Oval, saying, "I didn’t think I’d get one (hundred at Adelaide Oval), so to get four is not too bad. I felt all right."
The day commenced with England batting, attempting to fend off their last two wickets, with Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer at the crease, still trailing by 158 runs.
Archer's resilient innings of 51 off 105 balls, alongside Stokes, helped them form a 106-run partnership for the ninth wicket, the highest in this Ashes series, providing England with a glimmer of hope.
Stokes, pushing his limits in the intense Adelaide heat, was eventually dismissed by a brilliant delivery from Mitchell Starc, marking the 12th time the left-arm pacer has taken the England captain's wicket in Ashes Tests.
Archer soon followed suit, caught in the slip by Scott Boland, as England was bowled out for 286, still trailing Australia by 85 runs.
The visitors began their bowling innings strongly, with Brydon Carse trapping Jake Weatherald (1) lbw, while Josh Tongue dismissed Marnus Labuschagne (13).
However, Usman Khawaja, stepping in for Steve Smith, played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings alongside Head. The 39-year-old formed an 86-run partnership with Head, worsening England's situation with Stokes off the field.
Head praised Khawaja's performance, stating, "Not surprised, played really well again today, a calm head, with a lot of experience."
Khawaja (40) was dismissed by a half-tracker from Will Jacks, and Cameron Green (7) soon followed, edging one off Tongue, leaving Australia at 149-4.
First innings hero Carey joined forces with Travis Head, further extending Australia's lead with a remarkable unbeaten partnership of 122 runs. Carey ended the day on 52*, as Australia closed the day's play at 271/4, holding a commanding lead of 356 runs.