BRISBANE: Travis Head scored a brilliant hundred to put Australia in the driving seat on day two of the first Ashes Test, here on Thursday.
Australia began their first innings, in response to England’s 147, fumbled in the start as the side lost their opener at a combine score of 10. Markus Harris dismissed on 3 by Ollie Robinson.
The dismissal did not bother Kangaroos much, with David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne batted brilliantly to put their side in control. The pair added 156 runs for the second wicket. Labuschagne fell short on 74, dismissed by Jack Leach.
However, Warner was looking firm, adding 23 run into the total, partnering with Steve Smith. The pair looked promising but Smith soon dismissed on 12 by Mark Wood.
Warner, too, dismissed soon after on 94, missing his 25th century by just six runs. Cameron Green bagged a golden duck, dismissed on the next ball of Warner’s dismissal. Robinson dismissed both the batters.
Half of the Australian batting line-up was sent back to the pavilion on 195. The momentum appeared to have shifted England’s way, but Head played one of the best innings of his test career, scoring a quick century, his career’s second. He smashed unbeaten 112 off just 95 balls including a dozen boundaries and two sixes.
Rest of his batting partners made small contribution and Australia, in the end, finishing on 343/7 at the stumps.
Head (112*) and Mitchell Starc (10*) will resume the proceedings for Australia on third day.
READ: Bad Light interrupts after Australia bowl out England for 147
