australian opener travis head gave a memorable performance on the third day of fifth ashes testScored a brilliant century at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Head brought up his century in emphatic fashion, reaching the milestone in 105 balls with a brilliant cover drive off Josh Tong for four runs during the morning session.
This is Head’s 12th century in Test cricket and his third in the ongoing Ashes series, further underscoring his dominance against the England bowling attack. Notably, this was also his maiden Test century at the SCG, adding another special chapter to an already excellent series for the left-handed batsman.
Third Ashes ton takes Travis Head past 600 runs
With this innings, Head crossed the 600-run mark in the ongoing 2025-26 Ashes series, making it one of the most productive campaigns of his Test career. He had previously scored centuries in the first and third Tests and his consistency in different conditions has been a major factor in Australia’s strong position throughout the series.
Head’s ability to counter both pace and spin was once again on display as he rotated the strike effectively and punished loose balls. His intent ensured that the England bowlers remained under constant pressure, even as the pitch began to provide varying bounce.
Missing the opportunity cost England dearly
When Head was on 121 runs, England got a chance to open for a while, but the opportunity was lost. will jacks A direct catch was taken at the boundary off the ball of Brayden Carse, which gave the Australian batsman an opportunity to continue his attack.
Travis looked to be headed out, but Will Jacques gave him life with this drop on the boundary. #ash pic.twitter.com/iriHX0BzS7
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 6 January 2026
The dropped catch proved costly, as Head took advantage of the catch to accelerate his scoring and swing the match in Australia’s favour. His confidence grew as he began to manipulate the field and take calculated risks against the England attack.
Head received a standing ovation from the Sydney crowd
Head’s innings eventually ended on 163 runs, an innings that lasted 166 balls and was full of authority. He was hit on the head pad while attempting a sweep shot against Jacob Bethel and was adjudged LBW.
As he returned to the pavilion, the Sydney crowd stood up and applauded his performance, which was a mix of aggression, resilience and flair. The standing ovation reflected not only appreciation of the innings but also recognition of Head’s influence throughout the series.
Also read: Ricky Ponting names Australia’s 16-man squad for Ashes 2027; Two uncapped players selected
Here are the fans’ reactions:
Travis Head has scored 600 runs in this Ashes series.
9 innings, 600 runs, 170 HS, 66.66 average, 3 centuries. pic.twitter.com/hTb994Rbb8
– Danish (@BhttDNSH100) 6 January 2026
🚨600 runs for Travis Head in Ashes 2026🚨#ash25
123 runs in the first test.
170 runs in the third test.
✓️163 runs in the 5th test.🔥One of the greatest Ashes performances ever – Travis Head🥶…!!! pic.twitter.com/mhm2Dvp5LM
– Lokesh Logu (@loceshl33240061) 6 January 2026
– 123 runs in the first test.
– 170 runs in the third test.
– 163 runs in the 5th testWhat a player – Travis Head❤🔥#ash25 #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/D7GP5aXVnX
– Usman (@Cricbyusman) 6 January 2026
First players to feature in this Ashes 2025-26:
100 runs- Travis Head.
200 runs- Travis Head.
300 runs- Travis Head.
400 runs – Travis Head (only).
500 runs – Travis Head (only).
600 runs – Travis Head (only).– Travis Head’s dominance. pic.twitter.com/8740DWWZrK
– Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) 6 January 2026
Travis Head is the fourth player in the 21st century to score 600 runs in an Ashes series. Before him, Smith (twice), Cook and Vaughan had done this.
– Vijay Anaparthy (@VijayCricketFan) 6 January 2026
Travis Head’s epic 163 is the fastest Test 150 ever scored at the SCG.
His final strike rate of 98.19 broke the old record of Clem Hill, who scored 190 off 200 balls against South Africa in 1910! @foxcricket #ash
– Will Faulkner (@WillFaulknerFOX) 6 January 2026
Travis Head, what a player.
163 (166) runs with 24 fours and 1 six in the 5th Ashes Test against England at SCG, Beast Head.💀 pic.twitter.com/X4inNWj4I7
– Danish (@BhttDNSH100) 6 January 2026
Travis Head received a standing ovation from the SCG crowd after scoring 163 out of 166 runs at a strike rate of 98 in the final game of the Ashes. pic.twitter.com/EuvJtA4CIm
– Achyut Mishra (@achyutmis22) 6 January 2026
Great knock. GET A BO TRAVIS HEAD 163(166)
4s ➡️ 24
6s ➡️ 1
SR ➡️ 98.2#ash25 #ash– JaayShaan (VaidyaJayShankar) (@JaayShaan) 6 January 2026
Highest score of 150+ without scoring more than 175 in a test
7 – Travis Head
6- Dilip Vengsarkar
4-Murali Vijay
3 – 7 players– Swamp (@sirswampthing) 6 January 2026
Travis Head scores his first Test century at the SCG and his third of the series!#ash , #PlayoftheDay , @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/U3jcL2cRde
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) 5 January 2026
