Australian cricket star Travis Head has once again proven his worth with both bat and wit, leaving journalists in hysterics after a dominant century on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG.
A Masterclass Innings Cut Short
Head's brilliant knock of 163 runs from just 166 balls set a formidable platform for Australia on Tuesday. His aggressive stroke play, featuring 24 boundaries and one massive six, allowed Steve Smith to calmly accumulate an unbeaten 129 at the other end. The hosts finished the day at 7-518 in reply to England's first innings total of 384, securing a commanding lead.
Despite looking destined to surpass his personal best of 175 and push for a double century, Head's innings ended abruptly when he was trapped lbw by part-time bowler Jacob Bethell. Incredibly, this marked the seventh time in his career, and the second this series, that Head has been dismissed between the scores of 150 and 175.
The Priceless Press Conference
When a journalist reminded Head of this curious statistic after play, the left-hander delivered a response that brought the house down. "It's a pretty s**t stat isn't it?" he quipped, causing the entire media room to erupt in laughter.
While admitting disappointment at his dismissal, Head maintained a refreshing perspective. "Much rather 160-170 than 0-10, so I ain't going to complain about that," he said. "I'm not too worried (about not reaching 200)."
The amusement didn't stop there. Asked about his trademark casual approach to running easy singles, Head revealed it was a deliberate tactic to entertain his teammates. "Walking singles and running backwards and carrying on is more just to get a rev up out of our boys," he explained. "Slapping one to point and walking, there's no point in trying to charge around for two - unless you're with Marnus."
An Opening Experiment Vindicated
Head's promotion to the top of the order has been a resounding success, a move now entirely vindicated. By scoring his third century of the series, he became the first Australian opener to achieve that feat in an Ashes battle since Matthew Hayden in 2002-03.
His series tally now stands at a magnificent 600 runs at an average of 87.66, the most by an Australian opener in an Ashes contest this century. This places him firmly in contention for the player of the series award alongside Mitchell Starc.
Head himself seemed pleasantly surprised by how quickly he has adapted to the new role. "It might be 600 runs now (for the series), that's normally Smithy or Marnus," he noted. "I normally put the cherry on top and come in at the back end. Nice to be able to pull my finger out and help on the other side."
With a match-winning 69-ball century in Perth and 170 in Adelaide already under his belt this summer, the debate over his permanent position seems settled. Although selectors may re-evaluate at season's end, it's becoming impossible to imagine moving him from an opening slot where he has flourished so spectacularly.
