Gqeberha Test: Australia's Travis Head shines with 13th century
What's the story
Travis Head rescued Australia from an early collapse on Day 4 of the 2nd Test against South Africa at St George's Park, Gqeberha. Head made a mark after Australia perished for 99 in response to SA's 425/9d in the first innings. With the visitors following on, the star opener kept the Proteas bowlers at bay. He completed his ton on the fifth morning.
Knock
How Head rescued Australia
With a significant deficit, Head lost his opening partner, Nic Maddinson, in the third over. He added 92 runs with Marnus Labuschagne thereafter.
While Head held his fort, Australia were four down in the 48th over. The visitors resumed at 156/4 on Day 5, with Head reaching his ton after a delayed start due to rain.
He touched the mark off 151 deliveries.
Iinform
Head departs for 121
After lunch, Head extended his innings-defining stand with nightwatchman Scott Boland to 59 (161), propelling the Aussies past 200. However, Wiaan Mulder finally broke the partnership by dismissing Head for 121 off 190 balls (15 fours).
Numbers
A look at his Test numbers
As mentioned, Head completed his 13th Test ton. His tally also includes 20 half-centuries.
The Aussie opener now has 4,808 runs from 69 Tests at an average of 42.92. This was also his maiden Test century away from home (the opposition's home).
Against the Proteas, Head now has 388 runs from six Tests, including a ton and 3 half-centuries.
Landmarks
Head achieves these feats
According to Cricbuzz, Head scored the first century by an Australian while following on since David Boon's unbeaten 184 against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1988.
This was also the first century by an Australian against South Africa in the third or fourth innings of a Test since David Warner's 145 in Cape Town in 2014.