Travis Head Hits Unbeaten 142 As Australia Flatten England's Ashes Hopes In Adelaide

At Adelaide Oval on Friday, Travis Head scored his fourth century in as many Tests, propelling Australia to a 356-run lead over England and placing them on the verge of retaining the Ashes. At stumps on day three of the third Test, the hosts were 271/4, with Head not out at 142 and Alex Carey, who scored a century in the first innings, still at the crease with 52 runs. This performance has pushed the five-match series out of England’s reach.

England faces a monumental task, needing to win after suffering defeats in the first Test in Perth within two days and in Brisbane within four days, both by eight wickets. The highest successful run chase at the Adelaide ground is 316 by Australia against England in 1902, making England’s challenge appear

insurmountable.

Head emphasised that the job wasn’t finished yet, urging Australia to “rock up again” on Saturday. He commented on the day’s play, highlighting the deteriorating wicket and the intention to add more runs in the morning before focusing on winning the Test match.

Head’s crucial century, his 11th, came off 146 balls, although he had a narrow escape when he was dropped on 99 by Harry Brook. He has now scored centuries in four consecutive Tests at his home ground, following scores of 140 against India last year, and 119 and 175 against the West Indies.

England spin coach Jeetan Patel acknowledged Head’s exceptional batting, stating, “The way Head has batted is next level, and he has shown us how to go about it.”

Patel noted the need for heroes in Test cricket, especially in Australia, and expressed hope for England to find their heroes in the coming days.

Australia encountered an early setback in the tense 20 minutes before lunch after England were all out for 286, thanks to Ben Stokes’s gritty 83 in response to Australia’s first innings total of 371. Bryson Carse trapped Jake Weatherald lbw for one, with replays showing the ball pitched outside leg stump, offering England a glimmer of hope. However, Head’s aggressive play after the break dashed those hopes, with boundaries all around the ground.

Marnus Labuschagne edged Josh Tongue to Harry Brook at slip for 13, confirmed by reviews. Usman Khawaja, who scored a defiant 82 in the first innings after being called up for the ill Steve Smith, provided a perfect foil for Head’s aggressive style. Khawaja was caught behind off Will Jacks for 40, and Cameron Green followed shortly after for seven, edging Tongue to Brook. Head, overcoming the nervous 90s, brought up his century with a four off Joe Root, celebrating with exuberance.

While not as swift as his match-winning 69-ball century in Perth, Head’s innings was crucial, supported by Carey and aided by Stokes not bowling. Patel clarified that Stokes wasn’t injured but was exhausted after his lengthy batting stint in the heat.

Stokes and Jofra Archer kept England’s hopes alive with a 106-run ninth-wicket stand, starting at 213/8. Stokes, who battled leg cramps and dehydration, reached his slowest fifty in Tests off 159 balls before being bowled by Mitchell Starc with the new ball. Archer was the last man out, caught by Labuschagne off Scott Boland for 51, his highest Test score and maiden half-century.

Boland finished with 3/45, while Pat Cummins took 3/69 in his first Test since July.

With AFP Inputs