Travis Head attains multiple feats with third Ashes hundred: Stats
What's the story
Dashing Aussie batter Travis Head dismantled the England bowling line-up en route to a match-winning hundred in the fourth innings of the Ashes opener at Perth's Optus Stadium. On a track where 30 wickets fell within the first two days, Head batted with fearlessness and helped the hosts accomplish the 205-run target. During his stay, Head also went past 4,000 Test runs.
Strategic move
Head's promotion to opener pays off
Head's promotion to the top of the order seemed a tactical decision by Australia, given his prowess in limited-overs cricket. However, this was his first time opening in a home Test match. Despite the unfamiliar role, he looked at ease on a challenging Perth pitch. He first dominated a 75-run opening stand with Jake Weatherald before scripting a 117-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne (51*).
Record achievement
Head matches Warner's world record
As per Cricbuzz, Head's 69-ball century is now joint-fastest by an opening batter in Test cricket history, matching David Warner's record against India in 2011-12. It is also Australia's joint-third fastest in Test history, behind Adam Gilchrist (57 balls) and Jack Gregory (67 balls). Head also blasted the fastest fourth-innings hundred. He was dismissed for an 83-ball 123 (16 fours and four sixes).
Stats
4,000 Test runs for Head
With his 37th run in the game, Head became the 29th Australian player to reach 4,000 Test runs. He has now raced to 4,107 runs from 61 matches at 42.34. In addition to 10 tons, he also owns 20 fifties. Head also completed 1,000 Ashes runs during his stay (1,054 at 42.16). This was his third Test hundred against England (50s: 5).
Summary
How did the game pan out?
Mitchell Starc claimed a career-best seven-fer as England were folded for 172 while batting first. In response, Australia also lost wickets in a cluster to end their innings at 132/10. Five of these wickets went to Ben Stokes's credit. England, in their second innings, managed 164/10. Scott Boland trapped four batters. Australia (205/2) then chased down the 205-run target thanks to Head's record-breaking hundred.