Australian batsman Travis Head delivered another masterclass at his beloved Adelaide Oval, notching up his fourth consecutive Test century on Friday. The left-hander reached the milestone on Day 3 of the third Ashes Test against England, but not before surviving a massive scare just one run short of the landmark.
A Nervy Moment on 99
The century was almost snatched away from him. On 99, Head slashed hard at a good length delivery from England's pace spearhead, Jofra Archer. The ball flew low towards gully where vice-captain Harry Brook got both hands to it, only to spill the crucial chance. Archer was left with his head down in palpable disappointment, knowing a golden opportunity had been missed.
A Flamboyant Response to Reach the Landmark
Showing immense composure, Head did not let the moment rattle him. In the very next over, he danced down the track to veteran spinner Joe Root and lofted the ball stylishly over the bowler's head to bring up his hundred. The signature aggressive flourish sent a clear message to the English attack and sent the home crowd into raptures.
His celebration was one of pure passion and reverence for the venue. Immediately after completing the run, Head went down on his knees and kissed the Adelaide Oval deck, a heartfelt tribute to a ground that has been incredibly kind to him.
Adelaide Oval: Head's Personal Fortress
This innings continues a remarkable purple patch for Head at his home ground. This century marks his fourth in a row in Test matches at the Adelaide Oval. His previous three hundreds at this venue came against two different opponents:
- Two centuries against the West Indies.
- One century against India.
This latest ton also follows a hundred he scored in the first Test of this Ashes series in Perth, underlining his dominant form this summer. He took 146 balls to reach the three-figure mark in Adelaide, pacing his innings to perfection for his team's situation.
The knock has placed Australia in a commanding position in the crucial third Test, helping them build a formidable first-innings total. Head's ability to perform under pressure and his stellar record at Adelaide solidify his status as one of Australia's most dependable and explosive middle-order batsmen in the current era.
