Australian key Head of Travis He gave a memorable performance on Day 3 fifth Ashes TestProduces a magnificent century at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). During the main morning session, Josh brought up his face in emphatic style, completing the milestone in 105 balls with a crisp cover drive for four off Tongue.
The century was Head’s 12th in Test cricket and third of the ongoing Ashes series and further underlined England’s dominance against the bowling attack. Significantly, it was also his first Test hundred at the SCG, adding another special chapter to an already outstanding series for the left-hander.
Third Ashes ton takes Travis Head past the 600-run mark
With this innings, Head crossed the 600-run mark in the current 2025-26 Ashes series, making it one of the most prolific campaigns of his Test career. He previously scored centuries in the first and third Tests and his consistency across conditions has been a key factor in Australia’s strong position throughout the series.
Head’s ability to counter both pace and spin was on display again as he spun the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries. His intent ensured that England’s bowlers were kept under constant pressure even as the pitch began to offer variable bounce.
A missed chance costs England dearly
England were given a brief opening when Head was on 121, but the opportunity slipped through their fingers. Will Jacks Brydon dropped a straight catch on the boundary off the bowling of Carse, allowing the Australian to continue his onslaught.
Travis Head looked like he was gone, but Will Jacks gave him some life with this drop on the borderline. #Ash pic.twitter.com/iriHX0BzS7
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2026
The dropped catch proved costly as the skipper took advantage of the reprieve, speeding up his score and tilting the contest further in Australia’s favour. His confidence grew as he began to manipulate the field and take calculated risks against England’s attack.
Head gets a standing ovation from the Sydney crowd
The innings eventually ended on 163, spread over 166 balls and closed with authority. Attempting a sweep against Jacob Bethell, Head was hit on the pads and adjudged LBW.
As he made his way back to the pavilion, the Sydney crowd rose to their feet to applaud a performance that combined aggression, grit and talent. The standing ovation reflected not only the appreciation of the shots, but also the recognition of the head’s influence in the series.
Also READ: Ricky Ponting picks Australia’s 16-man squad for Ashes 2027; chooses two idle players
Here are the fans’ reactions:
600 runs for Travis Head in this Ashes series. 🌟
9 innings, 600 runs, 170 HS, 66.66 avg, 3 hundreds. pic.twitter.com/hTb994Rbb8
— Denmark (@BhttDNSH100) January 6, 2026
🚨 600 RUNS FOR TRAVIS HEAD IN ASHES 2026 🚨#ash25
⚡️123 runs in 1st Test.
⚡️170 runs in 3rd Test.
⚡️163 runs in 5th Test.🔥ONE OF THE GREATEST ASHES PERFORMANCE EVER – TRAVIS HEAD🥶…!!! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/mhm2Dvp5LM
— (1330) 20034000. January 6, 2026
– 123 runs in the 1st Test
– 170 runs in the 3rd Test
– 163 runs in the 5th TestWHAT A PLAYER – TRAVIS HEAD❤🔥#ash25 #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/D7GP5aXVnX
— Usman (@Cricbyusman) January 6, 2026
FIRST PLAYER TO GRADUATE IN THIS ASHES 2025-26:
100 runs – Travis Head.
200 runs – Travis Head.
300 runs – Travis Head.
400 runs – Travis Head (Single).
500 runs – Travis Head (Single).
600 runs – Travis Head (Single).– THE AUTHORITY OF TRAVIS HEAD. 🥶🔥 pic.twitter.com/8740DWWZrK
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) January 6, 2026
Travis Head is the 4th player to score 600 runs in an Ashes series in the 21st century. Smith (twice), Cook and Vaughan did it before him.
— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) January 6, 2026
Travis Head’s epic 163 is the fastest Test 150 of all time at the SCG.
His final strike rate of 98.19 eclipsed the old record of Clem Hill who belted 190 from 200 balls against South Africa in 1910! @FoxCricket #Ash
— Will Faulkner (@WillFaulknerFOX) January 6, 2026
TRAVIS HEAD, WHAT A PLAYER. 👏
163 (166) 5th Ashes Test vs England at SCG with 24 fours and 1 six, Animal Head.💀 pic.twitter.com/X4inNWj4I7
— Denmark (@BhttDNSH100) January 6, 2026
Travis Head was cheered by the SCG crowd after hitting 163 off 98 in the final game of the Ashes. pic.twitter.com/EuvJtA4CIm
— Achyut Mishra (@achyutmis22) January 6, 2026
Awesome Knock. Summer Take Travis Head 163(166)
4s ➡️ 24
6s ➡️ 1
SR ➡️ 98.2#ash25 #Ash— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 6, 2026
Maximum 150+ marks in Tests without ever scoring more than 175
7 – TRAVIS HEAD
6 – Dilip Vengsarkar
4 – Murali Vijay
3-7 players— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 6, 2026
Travis Head scores his maiden Test century at the SCG and third century of the series!#Ash | #Playoftheday | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/U3jcL2cRde
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2026
