Australia’s Travis Head celebrates reaching his century on day three of the fifth Ashes against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on January 6, 2026. Photo: AFP
When Australia's Travis Head gets going, regardless of the format, it is almost impossible to take the spotlight away from him -- and day three of the Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday was no different.
Head's third century of the series, a swashbuckling 163 off 166 deliveries, propelled Australia into a commanding position as they took a 134-run lead after England were bowled out for 384 in their first innings.
The 32-year-old has been a revelation at the top of the order since being pushed into the role when a back injury ruled Usman Khawaja out of batting in the second innings of the series opener in Perth.
Although fast bowler Mitchell Starc remains the frontrunner for player of the series with 28 wickets and counting, Head has mounted a compelling case of his own, thanks to three centuries. His first ton decisively turned the opening Test Australia's way, the second in Adelaide sealed the series and ensured the retention of the Ashes, while Tuesday's effort placed the hosts firmly in the driving seat.
True to his attacking style, Head admitted that he "had fun". "I do it different ways to some others, but it's been cool," he said.
The knock took his series tally to 600 runs at an average of 66.66 across the five Tests, making him the leading run-scorer by a comfortable margin.
Head's fearless batting has also struck a chord with Australian fans, some of whom were seen wearing "Trav-ball" T-shirts in Sydney -- a light-hearted counter to England's much-hyped "Bazball".
Meanwhile, with all eyes fixed on Head, Steve Smith was able to quietly go about his business at the other end.
"When you're out there with him, they forget about you, and I was able to get into my work. Worked out well today," Smith told Fox Sports. Smith, unbeaten on 129 at stumps alongside Beau Webster on 42 not out, registered his 13th Ashes hundred to move past England great Jack Hobbs. Only Donald Bradman, with 19, now sits above him, yet it was Head's ton that dominated the post-match conversation.
Despite the heights he continues to scale, Head poses a concern for former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie.
"I'm a little bit concerned about Travis Head at the moment. He has passed 150 seven times in Test cricket, yet he hasn't been able to reach 200. Might need to think about giving him some advice," Gillespie said on his podcast yesterday.
Head eventually fell lbw attempting a sweep against the occasional left-arm spin of Jacob Bethell -- dying by the sword as he had lived by it. He later admitted disappointment with the manner of his dismissal, particularly when reminded that he has now been out seven times in Tests between scores of 150 and 175.
With Australia already in a commanding position and Head continuing to redefine the tempo of modern Test batting, England's task in Sydney appears increasingly daunting. Even in falling short of a double hundred yet again, the left-hander left a decisive imprint on the match, reinforcing why, whenever Travis Head gets going, the opposition is so often left scrambling for answers.
