Listing openers with Ashes centuries in fourth innings (21st century)
What's the story
Travis Head recently shattered a ton of records by scoring the fastest-ever fourth-innings century in Test history. The Australian dasher, who opened the innings, achieved this feat in just 69 balls during the first Test of the 2025-26 Ashes series against England at the Optus Stadium, Perth. Head's blistering knock helped Australia win the match within two days. On this note, we list down the openers to score a fourth-innings Ashes hundred in this century.
#3
Travis Head - 123 in Perth, 2025
Head's aggressive approach from the start set the tone for Australia's chase of 205 runs. He reached his half-century in just 36 balls and continued to attack England's bowlers relentlessly. His innings was a masterclass in modern Test batting, combining calculated risks with brutal execution and constant strike rotation. He was eventually dismissed for an 83-ball 123 (16 fours and four sixes) as Australia won by eight wickets.
#2
Chris Rogers - 116 in Melbourne, 2013
A sensational hundred from Chris Rogers meant the Aussies chased down 231 to win the 2013 Melbourne affair. He added 64 runs with opener David Warner (25) before further adding 136 runs with Shane Watson (83*). Rogers, who operated with great intent, departed after scoring a magnificent 116 off 155 balls, a knock laced with 13 fours as the hosts prevailed by eight wickets.
#1
Alastair Cook - 116 in Perth, 2006
Albeit in a losing cause, England great Alastair Cook scored a sensational hundred in the fourth innings of the 2006 Ashes Test at Perth's WACA Stadium. The Brits were chasing an improbable 557 in the game. However, Cook, who was playing his maiden Test series Down Under, refused to go down without fighting. The then-young opener scored a fine 116 off 290 balls with the help of nine fours. Despite his efforts, Australia won by 206 runs.