The third-fastest century in Ashes history from Travis Head has fired Australia into firm control of the first Test against an undermanned England at the Gabba.
Head smashed a tiring English attack to reach his third Test hundred off just 85 deliveries as Australia ended day two at 7-343, already 196 runs ahead of England’s 147.
At stumps the South Australian was unbeaten on 112, having blasted 12 fours and two sixes in his 95-ball knock.
Only Adam Gilchrist’s 56-ball ton in 2006 and Gilbert Jessop’s 76-ball effort in 1902 betters Head’s pace to reach triple-figures in Ashes history.
It was also a redemptive innings for a player making his return to the Test team after being axed during last summer’s series against India.
“It’s still pinching myself sort of thing,” Head said.
“I can’t quite work out what quite transpired over the last couple of hours but I want to contribute to Australia and Australia wins.
“Hopefully we’ve put ourselves in a nice position … another great day for Australia and that’s what I’m here to do.
“It’s so enjoyable to be around this group again and contribute in some little way.”
Head’s innings built on the platform laid by David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne, who shared a 156-run partnership after the early demise of opener Marcus Harris (3).
Warner makes the most of his luck
Warner rode his luck on his way to 94, starting with a reprieve when he was on 17 and bowled by allrounder Ben Stokes.
Replays showed Stokes had overstepped and the third umpire called a no-ball, cutting English celebrations short.
Further analysis of Stokes’ initial five-over spell indicated he’d overstepped 14 times but only two no-balls were called due a technology failure, meaning responsibility for the calling of illegal deliveries was in the hands of on-field umpires.
Warner had further good fortune when he was dropped on 49 by Rory Burns in the slips before surviving a run-out chance on 60, when he was stranded on the ground short of his crease and having dropped his bat.
Labuschagne fell on 74 after a more assured knock in the one highlight for England spinner Jack Leach, who conceded 1-95 off 11 expensive overs.
Warner and Labuschagne’s exits sparked a tricky period for the hosts as they lost 4-29 which included the wickets of Steve Smith (12) and Cameron Green (0), who was balled first-ball shouldering arms to a delivery from the impressive Ollie Robinson (3-48).
The return of Stokes, by this point struggling with a left-leg injury, allowed Head to seize the initiative.
The left-handed batter whacked three boundaries in Stokes’ first over of his second spell and never looked back.
Head and Pat Cummins (12) combined in a rapid half-century stand to deflate the English before Australia’s No.5 charged to his ton on the second delivery of the second new ball.
Stokes will have his niggle assessed overnight by England medical staff, while Chris Woakes (1-56) and Mark Wood (1-57) will have to bounce back after bowling 20 overs each on a hot Brisbane day.
“There’s a lot of character and fight in our dressing room,” England bowling coach Jon Lewis said.
“They’ve been in some pretty sticky situations before and they’ve come through alright.
“I know the guys will dust themselves down tonight and they’ll come back strong tomorrow.”
Play will resume on Friday at 9.30am AEST.
By Ed Jackson in Brisbane
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