Australian opener Travis head delivered a memorable performance on the third day of the fifth ashes testproducing a magnificent century at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Head brought up his hundred in emphatic style, completing the milestone in 105 balls with a clean cover for four off Josh Tongue during the morning session.
The century marked Head’s 12th in Test cricket and his third in the ongoing Ashes series, further underlining his dominance against England’s bowling attack. Significantly, it was also his first Test hundred at the SCG, adding another special chapter to an already exceptional series for the left-hander.
Third ashes ton takes Travis Head past 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 productive campaigns of his Test career. He had already scored centuries in the first and third Tests, and his consistency in all conditions was 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 strikes effectively and punished loose deliveries. His intention ensured that England’s bowlers were kept under constant pressure, even as the pitch began to offer variable bounce.
A missed opportunity costs England dearly
England had a brief opening when Head was on 121, but the opportunity eluded him. Will Jacks took a simple boundary catch off the bowling of Brydon Carse, allowing the Australian batter to continue his assault.
Travis Head looked done for, but Will Jacks gave him some life with that fall on the boundary. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/iriHX0BzS7
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2026
The dropped catch proved costly as Head took advantage of the reprieve by accelerating his score and tilting the contest further in Australia’s favor. His confidence grew as he began to manipulate the pitch and take calculated risks against the English attack.
Head receives a standing ovation from the Sydney crowd
Head’s innings finally ended at 163, a knock that spanned 166 balls and was full of authority. While attempting a sweep shot against Jacob Bethell, Head was hit on the pads and was ruled LBW.
As he returned to the pavilion, the Sydney crowd rose to their feet to applaud a performance that combined aggression, resilience and flair. The standing ovation reflected not only appreciation for the innings, but also recognition of Head’s impact throughout the series.
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Here are the fans’ reactions:
600 runs for Travis Head in this Ashes series. 🌟
9 innings, 600 runs, 170 HS, 66.66 average, 3 hundreds. pic.twitter.com/hTb994Rbb8
– Danish (@BhttDNSH100) January 6, 2026
🚨 600 RUNS FOR TRAVIS HEAD IN ASHES 2026 🚨#ashes25
⚡️123 races in the 1st test.
⚡️170 runs in the 3rd Test.
⚡️163 runs in the 5th Test.🔥ONE OF THE GREATEST PERFORMANCES 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 Test✅WHAT PLAYER – TRAVIS HEAD❤🔥#ashes25 #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/D7GP5aXVnX
– usman (@Cricbyusman) January 6, 2026
FIRST PLAYER TO COMPLETE IN THIS 2025-26 ASHES:
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).– THE DOMINATION OF TRAVIS HEAD. 🥶🔥 pic.twitter.com/8740DWWZrK
– Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) January 6, 2026
Travis Head is the 4th player in the 21st century to score 600 runs in a single Ashes series. 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 ever at the SCG.
His final strike rate of 98.19 usurps the old record held by Clem Hill, who hit 190 off 200 stones against South Africa in 1910! @FoxCricket #Ashes
– Will Faulkner (@WillFaulknerFOX) January 6, 2026
TRAVIS HEAD, WHAT A PLAYER. 👏
163 (166) with 24 fours and 1 six in the 5th Ashes Test against England in SCG, Beast Head.💀 pic.twitter.com/X4inNWj4I7
– Danish (@BhttDNSH100) January 6, 2026
Travis Head received a standing ovation from the SCG crowd after hitting 163 off 166 at a strike rate of 98 in the final Ashes match. pic.twitter.com/EuvJtA4CIm
– Achyut Mishra (@achyutmis22) January 6, 2026
Magnificent shot. Take a Bow Travis Head 163(166)
4s ➡️ 24
6s ➡️ 1
RS ➡️ 98.2#ashes25 #Ashes– JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 6, 2026
Most 150+ test scores without ever getting above 175
7 – TRAVIS HEAD
6 – Dilip Vengsarkar
4 – Murali Vijay
3 to 7 players– Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 6, 2026
Travis Head makes his first Test century at the SCG and his third of the series!#Ashes | #Thursday | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/U3jcL2cRde
– cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2026
ALSO WATCH: Michael Neser pulls off breathtaking catch to end Joe Root’s brilliant 160 knock | Ashes 2025-26, Sydney Test
