Travis Head delivered another masterclass in the ongoing Ashes, scoring his third century of the series to put England under pressure at the Sydney Cricket Ground. With this feat, Head became the first Australian opener since Matthew Hayden in 2002–03 to hit three centuries in a home Ashes series.

He also surpassed a long-standing record held by Sir Don Bradman, highlighting the historical importance of his innings.

By lunch on Day 3, Head was 162 not out from 160 balls, hitting 24 fours and a six. He reached 150 in just 152 balls, making it the joint fourth-fastest 150 in Ashes history, beating Bradman’s 166-ball mark from 1930. Head is also the only player to appear twice in the fastest Ashes 150s, having previously scored a 143-ball 150 in Brisbane in 2021. Joe Darling and Adam Gilchrist still hold the top two positions.

Australia Strengthens Lead in Ashes Series

Head’s century off 105 balls, following 123 in Perth and 170 in Adelaide, helped Australia reach 281 for 3 by lunch, adding 115 runs to their overnight 166-2. Australia remained 103 runs behind England, whose total was anchored by Joe Root’s 160.

Steve Smith was 16 not out alongside Head at lunch. Both batters had lucky escapes — Smith was dropped on 12, and Head was dropped on 121.

Australia now lead the series 3-1 and have retained the Ashes, leaving England desperate for a victory after their previous win in Melbourne.

Day 3 Session: Neser and Head Frustrate England

Head resumed on 91, with nightwatchman Michael Neser on 1, after Jake Weatherald (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (48) were dismissed late on Monday.

Neser held off England for 90 deliveries before being the only wicket to fall in the session, scoring a gritty 24 before being caught behind off Brydon Carse.

Head immediately found his rhythm, hitting a boundary through midwicket off Ben Stokes. He reached his century with his 17th four, celebrated a cover drive off Josh Tongue, and firmly established himself as one of cricket’s most versatile batsmen.

Travis Head Takes Over the Top Order

The 32-year-old opener moved up in the batting order due to Usman Khawaja’s injury in Perth, and he has since solidified his spot.

After reaching three figures, Head hit three consecutive boundaries off Matthew Potts. He also survived a major let-off at 121 when Will Jacks dropped a sitter near the boundary. A huge six off Potts took him to 148, followed by a four off Josh Tongue to cross 150.

Support from Neser and Smith Keeps England on Edge

Neser continued to frustrate England, who wasted their last two reviews on him. He scored four boundaries before edging a delivery to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Steve Smith also survived a catch on 12 by Zak Crawley at leg slip, ensuring Australia maintained momentum. Travis Head in full control and Smith still at the crease, Australia ended the session in a leading position, putting England under pressure in the pivotal Ashes Test.