Travis Head enters Ashes record books with joint-most hundreds by an opener

Travis Head equals Ashes record with third century as opener.

Australian opener Travis Head continued to torment England in the fifth Test of Ashes 2025–26 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, hitting another brilliant century and entering the record books. Head’s knock marked his maiden Test hundred at SCG and saw him equal the record for most centuries by an opener in a single Ashes series.

This was Head’s third century of the series, following match-winning innings in Perth and Adelaide. With this, he joined an elite group of 12 openers—including legends Matthew Hayden, Alastair Cook, Michael Slater, and Jack Hobbs—who have left a lasting mark on Ashes history.

Resuming on 91 overnight, Head reached his century early on Day 3 with a crisp boundary through the covers, needing just 105 balls. He then stitched a crucial 72-run partnership with nightwatchman Michael Neser, keeping England under pressure.

England struck their first breakthrough when Brydon Carse induced an edge from Neser, caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, but Head continued his onslaught, crossing 150 off 152 balls. During the innings, he also completed 600 runs in the series, becoming only the ninth opener in Ashes history to reach this milestone and the first since Alastair Cook in 2010–11.

Head’s innings ended shortly after lunch when Jacob Bethell trapped him lbw on a sweep attempt. After a DRS review, the dismissal was confirmed. He finished with 163 off 166 balls, including 24 fours and a six, leaving Australia on 288/4, still trailing England by 104 runs. Head received a standing ovation as he returned to the pavilion.