Travis Head scored his third century of this Ashes series, leaving England puzzled at the Sydney Cricket Ground and ending Australia’s 24-year home drought in the rivalry. He is the first Australian opener since Matthew Hayden in 2002-03 to achieve this in the Ashes at home. Additionally, Head surpassed Don Bradman’s remarkable 96-year-old record with his impressive century. Head scored 163 off just 166 balls, including 24 fours and a six. He also recorded the joint-fourth fastest 150 in Ashes history, surpassing Bradman’s 1930 feat at Lord’s, which he reached in just 166 balls.
Head is the only batter to feature on this list twice, having smashed a 143-ball 150 five years ago in 2021 in Brisbane. Joe Darling of Australia holds this record, having scored 150 off just 129 deliveries back in 1898, while Adam Gilchrist came close to him with a 141-ball 150, 103 years later, in 2001.
Fastest 150s in Ashes (by balls faced)
129 – Joe Darling, Sydney, 1898
141 – Adam Gilchrist, Birmingham, 2001
143 – Travis Head, Brisbane, 2021
152 – Zak Crawly, Manchester, 2023
152 – Travis Head, Sydney, 2026*
166 – Don Bradman, Lord’s, 1930
Baggy greens are at the top
Head’s commanding innings put Australia firmly on top in Sydney on a flat pitch. He received solid support from Steve Smith, who crossed fifty, while Marnus Labuschagne played a gritty knock in the forties, ensuring the hosts maintained complete control of the contest. Australia is in the lead past tea with the record century of Steve Smith with the support of lower middle order Cameroon Green and Beau webster.
On the other hand Brydon Curse lead the wicket charges for England with three wickets.
Australia is leading series 3-1 already
