Team India’s T20I opener and world number one in the format Abhishek Sharma praised his Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) teammate Travis Head after the first Ashes Test between Australia and England. Sharma shared a heartfelt message after the Australian batsman’s explosive century and the post quickly went viral.
Head produced a match-winning performance in the first Ashes match at the Optus Stadium in Perth. The left-handed batsman scored 123 runs in just 83 balls with the help of 16 fours and four sixes. Australia achieved the target of 205 runs in just 28.2 overs. The Steve Smith-led team won convincingly by eight wickets on the second day.
A top-class century and a fitting statement – Abhishek Sharma lauds Travis Head
Usman Khawaja could not open due to stiffness in his back. Travis Head was promoted to start in pursuit alongside debutant Jake Weatherald. Head tore apart England’s bowling and turned the chase into a one-sided attack on a challenging batting surface.
Head’s fearless batting also caught the attention of the entire cricket world. His Sunrisers Hyderabad teammate Abhishek Sharma was also among those who responded. After stumps, the Indian T20I opener described the century as “effortless” and called it a powerful statement from the Australian star.
“When Trav steps up, it looks effortless. A top-class century and a fitting statement,” Abhishek wrote on his Instagram story.
Abhishek Sharma’s Instagram story for Travis Head pic.twitter.com/agsa0w6S7F
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 22 November 2025
A bit shocked, it was just extraordinary off the head – Ben Stokes
Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, known for forming one of the most explosive opening partnerships of the IPL, have built a reputation for tearing apart the powerplay with their high-octane scoring.
While most batsmen struggled on the live surface, Head looked to be batting on a different pitch altogether. The left-handed batsman completed his half-century in just 36 balls. He also crossed the 4,000-run mark in Test cricket, taking his tally to 4,107 runs in 61 Test matches at an average of over 42.
After the attack, England captain Ben Stokes admitted that his team were “a bit surprised”, describing Head’s innings as unprecedented.
“A bit surprised, it was pretty amazing from Head,” Stokes said. “It’s quite raw, quite emotional, but that was a bit of a knock.
Travis Head scored his century in just 69 balls, which is the fastest century till date.
Travis scored his century in just 69 balls, which is the fastest century ever scored in the fourth innings of a Test match.
He registered the third fastest century for Australia after Adam Gilchrist (57 balls) and Jack Gregory (67 balls). David Warner also scored a century in 69 balls at WACA in 2012.
Head also equaled Warner’s record for the fastest century by a Test opener. Notably, the left-handed batsman scored 152 runs at the Gabba during the opening match of the Ashes 2021-22.
The Men in Yellow have taken a 1-0 lead in the current five-match Test series. Following the win, Australia will take on Ben Stokes-led England in the second Test at the Gabba from December 4 to 8.
Also read: Ben Stokes ‘shellshocked’ after Travis Head’s brilliant century in 69 balls in Ashes opener
