SydneyAt the Sydney Cricket Ground, Travis Head scored his third century in the current Ashes series, ending Australia's 24-year home drought in the rivalry and leaving England perplexed. After Matthew Hayden in the 2002–03 season, he became the first Australian opener to score as many hundreds at home. With his enormous century, he also eclipsed the legendary Don Bradman's remarkable 96-year-old accomplishment.
Head was still undefeated at lunch on Day 3 with 162 runs off of just 160 deliveries, including 24 fours and a six. He surpassed Bradman, who accomplished the feat at the legendary Lord's back in 1930 off just 166 balls, to record the joint-fourth fastest 150 in Ashes history.
Head, who smashed a 143-ball 150 five years ago in Brisbane in 2021, is the only batter to appear on this list twice. Australia's Joe Darling holds the record, having scored 150 off just 129 deliveries in 1898. Adam Gilchrist, 103 years later, came close with a 150 off 141 balls in 2001.
Ashes' fastest 150s (by balls faced)129-Joe Darling, Sydney, 1898
141. Adam Gilchrist, Edgbaston, 2001
Travis Head, 143, Brisbane, 2021
152-Old Trafford, Zak Crawley, 2023
Travis Head, 152, Sydney, 2026*166-Don Bradman, Lord's, 1930
Australia leads Sydney.Travis Head's outstanding knock has put Australia ahead in Sydney, where the pitch appears incredibly flat and the hosts are only 103 runs behind England's first innings total (as of lunch). Head found a capable ally in nightwatchman Michael Neser, who played out a total of 90 deliveries for his 24 runs, after beginning the third day at 166/2.
While England kept it tight with the ball, Head continued to play his shots and reached his 12th Test century, his first at the SCG. Neser was dismissed by Brydon Carse to revive England's hopes, but he has also been reliable and fortunate at times. Early in the innings, Zak Crawley dropped him at leg slip. If they don't get bowled out in the second session, Australia, who are currently leading, will probably be in charge of this Test.
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