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Head's century cements Australia's Ashes dominance
Australia's Travis Head delivered a masterful century on day three of the third Test in Adelaide, all but securing the Ashes urn for the home side until 2027. His aggressive batting left England struggling to counter, shifting the series momentum decisively in Australia's favor.
From doubt to dominance
Just months ago, Head's form was under scrutiny. With only one score above 40 in 20 innings since June, questions lingered about his ability to perform in high-pressure matches. However, a brief but intensive four-day training session before the series reignited his confidence.
"When you have a big gap in Test cricket and you're lying in bed a couple of nights before, you're like, 'Can I do it?' Can you still produce it?"
Travis Head
His resurgence has been nothing short of spectacular. Head now boasts four Ashes centuries, adding to his pivotal performances in the 2023 World Cup final and the World Test Championship earlier that year. His ability to thrive in critical moments has earned him a reputation as Australia's ultimate big-game player.
A tactical nightmare for England
Head's promotion to opener in this series-following Usman Khawaja's injury-forced England to abandon their pre-planned strategies. In 2023, England targeted Head's weakness against short-pitched deliveries, pitching 52% of balls 10 meters or shorter. This time, however, England's bowlers struggled to maintain discipline, often feeding his strength on the cut shot.
Former Australia coach Justin Langer noted the shift, stating, "His wagonwheel is completely behind point. It was either England couldn't execute their plan or the plans were poor."
Head's scoring behind square on the off side has doubled in this series compared to his previous Ashes performances, underscoring his adaptability and England's inability to contain him.
Adelaide's favorite son
Playing in his hometown, Head's century was met with rapturous applause from the Adelaide Oval crowd. Some fans bowed as he reached three figures, while others wore "TravBall" T-shirts in his honor. His connection to the venue is unmatched-only Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke have scored more centuries at the Adelaide Oval.
Head's average of 87.33 at the ground places him fourth on the all-time list for players with five or more matches, trailing only Sir Don Bradman. Local officials have even proposed erecting a statue of Head beside Bradman's at the stadium's eastern gates.
"I like to get out in the middle, feel the crowd and expectation. I just like playing the game and I have a good time doing it."
Travis Head
England's uphill battle
England's hopes of reclaiming the Ashes were dealt a severe blow in Perth, where Head's century derailed their momentum. Despite their bowlers' efforts, Head's latest innings in Adelaide has left them with an insurmountable deficit. Captain Ben Stokes' fatigue-described as "knackered"-further complicates their challenge.
With the series now tilting heavily toward Australia, Head's performances have overshadowed even Mitchell Starc's 19 wickets. While Starc's contributions are undeniable, Head's ability to dictate terms has been the defining factor in Australia's dominance.
What's next
The remaining Tests in Melbourne and Sydney will determine whether this series is remembered as the summer of Head or Starc. For now, England faces an uphill struggle to salvage anything from a campaign that has been defined by Australia's clinical execution and Head's relentless brilliance.
