Head plunders 12th ton, Khawaja departs as Australia approach lead

By Daniel Beswick at the SCG

Another electric Travis Head century has led Australia's reply in their first innings of the final Ashes Test in Sydney.

In response to England's 384, Head proved imperious at the top of the order once more, bringing up his 12th Test century at a rate of close to a run a ball.

He finished with 163 before being trapped lbw by Jacob Bethell, while Usman Khawaja, playing his final Test match, made 17 before falling to Brydon Carse.

Head resumed on 91 at the beginning of day three alongside Michael Neser, who survived the final session of day two in protection of Steve Smith.

Neser survived a reviewed English appeal for caught behind, before Head brought up three figures soon after with a push out to the off-side for four.

Head reached 162 when lunch was called, though added just one when he was dismissed by England's spin-bowling all-rounder.

Head's move up to open for the hosts in the second innings of the first Test in Perth has proved to be a sliding doors moment that has led to his side's 3-1 series lead.

In 16 innings opening the batting for Australia in Test cricket Head now averages over 60, and the South Australian has a century in whites at every major Australian Test venue.

Having already secured series victory, a victory in Sydney for the Aussies would hand them 12 vital ICC World Test Championship points as they strive to tighten their stranglehold on top spot of the table, sat with 85.71 per cent of possible points in the 2025-2027 cycle.

Ashes schedule:

First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30 (England won by 4 wickets)
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8