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How Head almost didn't open in second innings
Nicholas Quinlan • November 22nd, 2025 11:58 pm
Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith has remarked on the incredible innings that Travis Head played to help Australia win by eight wickets at Perth Stadium to see the hosts take a 1-nil lead.
But the South Australian almost didn't feature for the first ball.
With Usman Khawaja having come off the field during the second innings with lower back spasms, which he also had whilst fielding in the first, this meant that, as per ICC rules, the 38-year-old could not open until he had served the time that he was off the field.
Having had Marnus Labuschagne open in the first innings, Smith would let Head, who has experience opening in the shorter forms of the game as well as having done it on the sub-continent in the Test format, he would be given the opportunity.
And he did not fail.
Head hit what can only be described as a ridiculous century, having managed to do so within 69 balls, helping Australia manage a famous win.
This now sees him become the third quickest century by an Australian and sixth in the Ashes before he was caught for 123.
Reflecting on his performance, Smith explained how he and coach Andrew McDonald came to their decision.
"About the tea-time when we ran off," he noted post-game.
"We were thinking of a few discussions and stuff, and didn't quite like how it worked in the first innings.
"Travis was like, 'I want to do it, ' and I was like, 'Mate, go for your life!'.
But amongst their conversations, there was a left-field option that was considered.
"Nathan Lyon was actually talked about to be honest," he admitted.
"But yeah, I think we made the right decision in the end.
"Trav, that was just incredible to witness."
He would also go on to say that Head's knock was the best he had witnessed.
"My gosh, I think that's right up there from anyone," Smith explained.
"You know, fourth innings, albeit Day 2, the wicket was probably almost at its best to bat at the end there.
"The way he just went about his business and played some really nice shots early, got into his stuff, and when they went the short plan, he played the way he wanted to.
"He hit it in the gaps he wanted to, and he was kind of toying with them, I suppose."
Australia now takes a 1-nil lead in The Ashes series, with England yet to win a Test match down under since 2011.
Both sides will now be off to Brisbane to get ready for the Second Test, which will be of a Day/Night variety.
That begins on December 4 with SEN having LIVE coverage of every ball bowled through the series.
