Travis Head became the first men's player to score an Ashes ton in a session since Adam Gilchrist demolished England's bowlers at the WACA Ground in 2006.
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Travis Head scored his first century in two years, following a partnership of 156 runs between David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, to help push Australia into a commanding position on Day two of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane. Having restricted England to 47, the Aussies replied with 343 for 7 till stumps on Day 2. Head remained unbeaten on 112 along with Mitchell Starc on 10 not out. Head recorded a remarkable century from 85 balls, on a pitch that was a downright mystery for some. The South Australian became the first men’s player to score an Ashes ton in a session, since Adam Gilchrist demolished England’s bowlers at the WACA Ground in 2006. Head further emerged as the first Australian to achieve the feat since Warner achieved the same on the opening morning of the 2017 SCG Test against Pakistan.
England struck early through Ollie Robinson, dismissing Marcus Harris for three. However, Warner (94) and Labuschagne (74) made their presence felt with a fine display. The former did enjoy a reprieve, after being bowled by Ben Stokes off a no-ball, with the latter playing his first competitive match since The Hundred in July. Interestingly, while the wicket was cancelled after a no-ball review showed that the all-rounder had overstepped his mark, Stokes had bowled a no-ball in every delivery leading up to the dismissal. However, not a single one had been called. Robinson struck for England when it mattered the most, accounting for the dismissal of Warner, permitting an opportunity for the visitors to make a soaring comeback. Steven Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins were all dismissed cheaply, as Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Jack Leach and Joe Root made their presence felt. However, Head was supremely impressive showcasing his potential to the core.
Warner was full of praise for his fellow batsman Travis Head, after the latter’s sublime performance.
“They did bowl well didn’t they? They hit the target on a short of a length. What an entertaining innings from Travis Head. It has to be up there for him personally, that’s the Travis Head we know. He backed himself and backed his areas and walks off with 112 to his name. At the end of the day you think this could be your last game and you try to give it everything. Keep it simple and give it everything. I left very well today, I have worked on that especially at the Gabba. When you are out of runs, you deserve some luck and I got it,” he said as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Australian pacer Pat Cummins became the first skipper to take a five-wicket haul in the Ashes in 39 years, on Day 1 of his journey as the captain of the national team. Cummins delivered a fantastic performance on the opening day of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba. The pacer claimed a five-wicket haul as England were dismissed shortly before tea for 147. Australia did not get a chance to bat after rain washed out proceedings soon after. Jos Buttler was the top run-getter for England, accumulating 39 runs with Ollie Pope (35) the second highest run-scorer.
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