Marco Jansen is having a dream Test match in Gqeberha, and his heroics have now put South Africa on the brink of a famous win over Australia. After rain spoiled the first two days of the ongoing second Test, full-day cricket resumed on day three, with Jansen making headlines since. Firstly, for his incredible game-saving stand with his captain, Temba Bavuma, for the seventh wicket, and then for his magical bowling spell early on the fourth day to help the Proteas dismiss Australia for 99. His bowling partners Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer contributed two wickets each after South Africa enforced the follow-on.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sunil-gavaskar-hardik-pandya-irreplaceable-team-india-replacement-1792325273165">SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Steve Smith crosses 11,000 runs but Australia all out for 99 in 1st innings</a> &nbsp;Australia were 156/4 at stumps on day four after being asked to bat again, trailing by 170 runs with six wickets and one full day of cricket left. For the visitors, Steve Smith top-scored (28) in the first innings but did not come out to bat after the fall of the second wicket in the second innings. A blow to his head in the first innings could have pushed him further down the order, with Australia losing Matt Renshaw and Beau Webster in the quest to save this rain-hit Test match. &nbsp;Aussie opener Travis Head has fortunately found form for the visitors, batting on an unbeaten 87 off 138 balls, hitting nine fours. Scott Boland, who picked up five wickets in the first innings, is at the other end, similarly to how he walked in as the nightwatchman just before stumps on day three.<h3>4 Wickets and Counting for Rabada</h3>Making his comeback to the Test side for the first time in a year, Kagiso Rabada has picked four wickets so far in two innings. He accounted for Maddinson in both innings and dismissed Australia’s best batter in the Durban Test, Matt Renshaw, for 11 bowled on day four.&nbsp;Read more| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-aus-2nd-test-temba-bavuma-sachin-tendulkar-inspiration-179-1792589041772">SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Temba Bavuma reveals 'Tendulkar inspiration' behind career-best 179</a> &nbsp;Wiaan Mulder was also among the wickets in the first innings, including Smith, whom he bowled through the gate for 28. Although his status remains unclear as the last day approaches, Australia will rely on Smith to bail them out of trouble.

Marco Jansen's five-wicket haul and Kagiso Rabada's strikes put South Africa on the brink of a famous win over Australia in the 2nd Test at Gqeberha.

Marco Jansen is having a dream Test match in Gqeberha, and his heroics have now put South Africa on the brink of a famous win over Australia. After rain spoiled the first two days of the ongoing second Test, full-day cricket resumed on day three, with Jansen making headlines since. Firstly, for his incredible game-saving stand with his captain, Temba Bavuma, for the seventh wicket, and then for his magical bowling spell early on the fourth day to help the Proteas dismiss Australia for 99. His bowling partners Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer contributed two wickets each after South Africa enforced the follow-on. Also read| SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Steve Smith crosses 11,000 runs but Australia all out for 99 in 1st innings Australia were 156/4 at stumps on day four after being asked to bat again, trailing by 170 runs with six wickets and one full day of cricket left. For the visitors, Steve Smith top-scored (28) in the first innings but did not come out to bat after the fall of the second wicket in the second innings. A blow to his head in the first innings could have pushed him further down the order, with Australia losing Matt Renshaw and Beau Webster in the quest to save this rain-hit Test match. Aussie opener Travis Head has fortunately found form for the visitors, batting on an unbeaten 87 off 138 balls, hitting nine fours. Scott Boland, who picked up five wickets in the first innings, is at the other end, similarly to how he walked in as the nightwatchman just before stumps on day three. 4 Wickets and Counting for Rabada Making his comeback to the Test side for the first time in a year, Kagiso Rabada has picked four wickets so far in two innings. He accounted for Maddinson in both innings and dismissed Australia’s best batter in the Durban Test, Matt Renshaw, for 11 bowled on day four. Read more| SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Temba Bavuma reveals 'Tendulkar inspiration' behind career-best 179 Wiaan Mulder was also among the wickets in the first innings, including Smith, whom he bowled through the gate for 28. Although his status remains unclear as the last day approaches, Australia will rely on Smith to bail them out of trouble.

Marco Jansen's five-wicket haul and Kagiso Rabada's strikes put South Africa on the brink of a famous win over Australia in the 2nd Test at Gqeberha.

SA vs AUS 2nd Test: Jansen’s five-for and Rabada put South Africa on brink of famous win

NEW DELHI: Australia batter Travis Head has clapped back at former opener Matthew Hayden indirectly for his recent comments on the selection of the Australian team for the South Africa Test tour. Australia begins a three-Test tour against South Africa on Friday (Oct 9) in Durban. Hayden's comments came after the recall of 34-year-old Nic Maddinson to the Australian side after a long gap of 10 years. Aussie selectors decided to hand Maddinson a comeback after injuries to Josh Inglis and Cameron Green. Hayden, on a podcast, had called the team selection "the greatest pile of mediocrity that we’ve seen in a generation of cricket."<h2>Head claps back at criticism of Aussie team selection</h2>Head was at the press conference in Durban before the first Test when he said to reporters about the criticism from recent players: "I think it’s unfairly judged a fair bit from a group of past players, pretty much that put the bullet through a lot of players, which I think is unfair. But that’s what they’re paid to do. Some of them need a job, so they go after us, and that’s totally fine."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-maiden-t20i-century-lucknow-india-vs-west-indies-1791383127104">‘Dreams do come true’: Iyer reflects on match-winning 102* vs WI in T20I opener</a>Head, however, brushed aside any impact of Hayden's comments on the selected squad and said: "This group is strong enough to deal with those sorts of things. That’s how it is. It’s unfortunate sometimes to have some of that feedback from a generation of players that we have huge respect for, but that’s the caper."<h2>WTC 2025-27 Final place at stake</h2>Australia and South Africa, the finalists of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, will be vying to make their case strong enough for a place in the WTC 2025-27 final. South Africa, the defending WTC champions, is currently placed second on the WTC 2025-27 points table with 75 percent, while Australia, the two-time consecutive finalists and WTC 2021-23 winners, is on top with 80 percent points.A win in the three-match series by either team will go a long way toward securing a place in the ongoing WTC cycle final for both contenders.

Travis Head clapped back at Matthew Hayden for calling Australia's Test squad "a pile of mediocrity" following Nic Maddinson's recall. Both sides eye a WTC final spot in the Durban series.

NEW DELHI: Australia batter Travis Head has clapped back at former opener Matthew Hayden indirectly for his recent comments on the selection of the Australian team for the South Africa Test tour. Australia begins a three-Test tour against South Africa on Friday (Oct 9) in Durban. Hayden's comments came after the recall of 34-year-old Nic Maddinson to the Australian side after a long gap of 10 years. Aussie selectors decided to hand Maddinson a comeback after injuries to Josh Inglis and Cameron Green. Hayden, on a podcast, had called the team selection "the greatest pile of mediocrity that we’ve seen in a generation of cricket." Head claps back at criticism of Aussie team selection Head was at the press conference in Durban before the first Test when he said to reporters about the criticism from recent players: "I think it’s unfairly judged a fair bit from a group of past players, pretty much that put the bullet through a lot of players, which I think is unfair. But that’s what they’re paid to do. Some of them need a job, so they go after us, and that’s totally fine." Also Read - ‘Dreams do come true’: Iyer reflects on match-winning 102* vs WI in T20I opener Head, however, brushed aside any impact of Hayden's comments on the selected squad and said: "This group is strong enough to deal with those sorts of things. That’s how it is. It’s unfortunate sometimes to have some of that feedback from a generation of players that we have huge respect for, but that’s the caper." WTC 2025-27 Final place at stake Australia and South Africa, the finalists of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, will be vying to make their case strong enough for a place in the WTC 2025-27 final. South Africa, the defending WTC champions, is currently placed second on the WTC 2025-27 points table with 75 percent, while Australia, the two-time consecutive finalists and WTC 2021-23 winners, is on top with 80 percent points. A win in the three-match series by either team will go a long way toward securing a place in the ongoing WTC cycle final for both contenders.

Travis Head clapped back at Matthew Hayden for calling Australia's Test squad "a pile of mediocrity" following Nic Maddinson's recall. Both sides eye a WTC final spot in the Test series.

'They’re paid to do,' says Head about Hayden's 'pile of mediocrity' comment on Australia squad for SA Tests

The recipient of the Allan Border Medal 2026, Travis Head, admits he is not a ‘true opening batter’ but is comfortable where his game is at right now. Opening the batting against England during the home Ashes, Head scored 600 runs in a triumphant campaign for his team, but doesn’t see himself batting at the top in the traditional sense.&nbsp;Head usually opens in white-ball cricket for Australia and in very condition-specific set-ups, like in India and Sri Lanka. A mainstay at the top in ODIs and T20Is, Head’s first series as a Test opener came six months ago, when he set the tone for the home Ashes with a match-winning 123 off just 83 balls in the series opener in Perth, which Australia won inside two days. Head followed that with centuries in Adelaide and Sydney, ending up with the most runs across both camps.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-stars-could-skip-ipl-2027-andrew-mcdonald-workload-warning-1786163550701">'Tough Decision': Andrew McDonald warns key Australian stars could skip IPL 2027</a> &nbsp;What started as a mere discussion to permanently grant the Test opening slot to Head could end with the attacking batter continuing in his role at least until the end of this WTC cycle, where Australia is due to play at least 20 Test matches. That cramped leg begins with the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on Thursday (Aug 13) in Darwin. &nbsp;"I don't know exact stats, but what have I played: 170, 180 first-class games. I might have opened in ten [12] of them," Head said.&nbsp;"I think it would suggest that I'm not an opening batter, a true opening batter, [in terms of] what Australian cricket is known [for], I guess. Guys that have come through the grades opening the batting and played state cricket opening batting, and played Test cricket as opening batters. &nbsp;"I think my game is conducive to playing well. I feel like I can do a role at the top. I'm at the top, but it's not [as] that true opening batter, if that makes sense. I know that I've still got to work continuously hard at the new ball. I know I'm going to make mistakes. That's okay. I'm very comfortable with where my game's at,” he continued.<h2>Flexible Role Across Busy 12 Months</h2>After hosting Bangladesh for two Tests, Australia will head to South Africa for three Tests before facing New Zealand at home for four red-ball matches. Australia will then travel to India for the away Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) followed by the one-off 150th Test against England. They will travel to England next June and July for the away Ashes. &nbsp;Head suggested that he is happy to deliver for his team at whatever position. &nbsp;"I'm always happy just to do what the team needs and what's required, and I just want to contribute to every Test match," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;"So, we've got a lot of opportunities to do that over the next 21 Tests over the next ten months. I don't sort of pigeonhole myself or expect anything in terms of performance. I just want to go out and play my role, whether that's setting a tone at the start, whether that's big hundreds, whatever sort of the series needs and is tailored to. &nbsp;"We're going to play in a lot of different conditions over the next 12 months. It's going to require different efforts. It may not look like the traditional thing all the time. I just want to be able to play a role that ends up winning Test matches. So, I'm very comfortable in the fact that it's not going to work every day. I'm not going to perform every day, but when I am able to, I hope it means that we're winning games of cricket,” he continued.

Allan Border Medal 2026 winner Travis Head opens up on his role as Australia's Test opener, admitting he is not a traditional top-order batter ahead of the Darwin Test.

The recipient of the Allan Border Medal 2026, Travis Head, admits he is not a ‘true opening batter’ but is comfortable where his game is at right now. Opening the batting against England during the home Ashes, Head scored 600 runs in a triumphant campaign for his team, but doesn’t see himself batting at the top in the traditional sense. Head usually opens in white-ball cricket for Australia and in very condition-specific set-ups, like in India and Sri Lanka. A mainstay at the top in ODIs and T20Is, Head’s first series as a Test opener came six months ago, when he set the tone for the home Ashes with a match-winning 123 off just 83 balls in the series opener in Perth, which Australia won inside two days. Head followed that with centuries in Adelaide and Sydney, ending up with the most runs across both camps. Also read| 'Tough Decision': Andrew McDonald warns key Australian stars could skip IPL 2027 What started as a mere discussion to permanently grant the Test opening slot to Head could end with the attacking batter continuing in his role at least until the end of this WTC cycle, where Australia is due to play at least 20 Test matches. That cramped leg begins with the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on Thursday (Aug 13) in Darwin. "I don't know exact stats, but what have I played: 170, 180 first-class games. I might have opened in ten [12] of them," Head said. "I think it would suggest that I'm not an opening batter, a true opening batter, [in terms of] what Australian cricket is known [for], I guess. Guys that have come through the grades opening the batting and played state cricket opening batting, and played Test cricket as opening batters. "I think my game is conducive to playing well. I feel like I can do a role at the top. I'm at the top, but it's not [as] that true opening batter, if that makes sense. I know that I've still got to work continuously hard at the new ball. I know I'm going to make mistakes. That's okay. I'm very comfortable with where my game's at,” he continued. Flexible Role Across Busy 12 Months After hosting Bangladesh for two Tests, Australia will head to South Africa for three Tests before facing New Zealand at home for four red-ball matches. Australia will then travel to India for the away Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) followed by the one-off 150th Test against England. They will travel to England next June and July for the away Ashes. Head suggested that he is happy to deliver for his team at whatever position. "I'm always happy just to do what the team needs and what's required, and I just want to contribute to every Test match," he said. "So, we've got a lot of opportunities to do that over the next 21 Tests over the next ten months. I don't sort of pigeonhole myself or expect anything in terms of performance. I just want to go out and play my role, whether that's setting a tone at the start, whether that's big hundreds, whatever sort of the series needs and is tailored to. "We're going to play in a lot of different conditions over the next 12 months. It's going to require different efforts. It may not look like the traditional thing all the time. I just want to be able to play a role that ends up winning Test matches. So, I'm very comfortable in the fact that it's not going to work every day. I'm not going to perform every day, but when I am able to, I hope it means that we're winning games of cricket,” he continued.

Allan Border Medal 2026 winner Travis Head opens up on his role as Australia's Test opener, admitting he is not a traditional top-order batter ahead of the Darwin Test.

‘Australia’s best player’ Travis Head on batting at top in Tests: ‘I am not a true opening batter’

From Travis Head to Harry Brook, here's a look at the top five batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026. This list also includes Joe Root, Steve Smith and Temba Bavuma

From Travis Head to Harry Brook, here's a look at the top five batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026. This list also includes Joe Root, Steve Smith and Temba Bavuma.

Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top

Virat Kohli and Travis Head were seen involved in a brief verbal exchange during IPL 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday (May 22), where SRH secured a commanding 55-run victory. Kohli endured a disappointing outing with the bat, scoring just 15 runs from 11 deliveries, including two boundaries, before falling to Saik Hussain on the second-last ball of the sixth over.&nbsp;&nbsp;The incident unfolded during RCB’s chase of 256 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, while Venkatesh Iyer was attacking the SRH bowling attack, television cameras captured Kohli and Head exchanging a few words on the field.&nbsp;A charged-up Kohli appeared to gesture toward Head to take up bowling duties, while also mimicking the “Impact Sub” signal, seemingly referencing SRH’s strategy of deploying the Australian primarily as a batter before replacing him with a specialist bowler during the fielding innings.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-made-a-big-difference-in-my-growth-devdutt-padikkal-on-batting-with-virat-kohli-1779454602452">'Made a big difference in my growth': Devdutt Padikkal on batting with Kohli</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> 🆚 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravisHead?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TravisHead</a> 🥵🤯 Tensions rise in high voltage clash🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> Race to Playoffs 2026 👉 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRHvRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRHvRCB</a> | LIVE NOW ➡️<a href="https://t.co/52qPTW2gSO">https://t.co/52qPTW2gSO</a> <a href="https://t.co/JOiWaxNW6T">pic.twitter.com/JOiWaxNW6T</a>&mdash; Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia/status/2057868461070819593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The interaction appeared to carry over after the game, as during the customary post-match greetings, Kohli was seen walking past Head without shaking hands, despite interacting with several other SRH players, leaving the opener waiting for a handshake.&nbsp;Watch the video below

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Uncomfortable to watch extreme bad behavior by a man of such stature didn’t expect this from Virat Kohli <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SRHvsRCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SRHvsRCB</a> <a href="https://t.co/cTfMV9RuDD">pic.twitter.com/cTfMV9RuDD</a>&mdash; AVNISH 🇮🇳 (@avnishh26) <a href="https://twitter.com/avnishh26/status/2057895119467245903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

However, the evening belonged to SRH, whose explosive batting display laid the foundation for a huge total before their bowlers comfortably defended it.&nbsp;Despite the loss, RCB achieved a crucial objective by retaining the top spot in the league table. Finishing first guarantees them a place in Qualifier 1, giving them two opportunities to reach the IPL 2026 Final.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-kkr-suffer-major-blow-as-angkrish-raghuvanshi-is-ruled-out-ahead-of-crucial-dc-clash-1779461013451">KKR suffer major blow as Angkrish Raghuvanshi is ruled out of IPL 2026</a>&nbsp;RCB also managed the impact on their net run rate by ending their chase at 200/4, which kept them ahead of second-placed Gujarat Titans and third-placed SRH, with all three sides level on points.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the battle for the final playoff berth remains intense, as Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are still competing for the fourth and final playoff spot.

The SRH vs RCB clash in IPL 2026 ended on a controversial note as Virat Kohli appeared to avoid a customary handshake with Travis Head in Hyderabad.

Virat Kohli and Travis Head were seen involved in a brief verbal exchange during IPL 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday (May 22), where SRH secured a commanding 55-run victory. Kohli endured a disappointing outing with the bat, scoring just 15 runs from 11 deliveries, including two boundaries, before falling to Saik Hussain on the second-last ball of the sixth over. The incident unfolded during RCB’s chase of 256 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, while Venkatesh Iyer was attacking the SRH bowling attack, television cameras captured Kohli and Head exchanging a few words on the field. A charged-up Kohli appeared to gesture toward Head to take up bowling duties, while also mimicking the “Impact Sub” signal, seemingly referencing SRH’s strategy of deploying the Australian primarily as a batter before replacing him with a specialist bowler during the fielding innings. Also Read - 'Made a big difference in my growth': Devdutt Padikkal on batting with Kohli

The SRH vs RCB clash in IPL 2026 ended on a controversial note as Virat Kohli appeared to avoid a customary handshake with Travis Head in Hyderabad.

IPL 2026: Virat Kohli snubs handshake with Travis Head, moment goes viral - WATCH

From Prabhsimran Singh to Suresh Raina here is a list of five batters with highest individual scores IPL Powerplay. The list features the likes of Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Adam Gilchrist while Prabhsimran Singh is the latest inductee after DC vs PBKS. 

From Prabhsimran Singh to Suresh Raina here is a list of five batters with highest individual scores IPL Powerplay. The list features the likes of Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Adam Gilchrist while Prabhsimran Singh is the latest inductee after DC vs PBKS.&nbsp;

From Prabhsimran Singh to Suresh Raina, 5 highest individual scores in IPL Powerplay

From Andre Russell to Tim David here is a look at five batters fastest to 1000 IPL runs by balls. The list also features the likes of Travis Head, Phil Salt and Heinrich Klaasen with David becoming the latest to join the list. 

From Andre Russell to Tim David here is a look at five batters fastest to 1000 IPL runs by balls. The list also features the likes of Travis Head, Phil Salt and Heinrich Klaasen with David becoming the latest to join the list.&nbsp;

From Andre Russell to Tim David, 5 batters fastest to 1000 IPL runs (by balls)

From SRH to CSK here is a look at teams with 100-plus scores in Powerplay in IPL. SunRisers Hyderabad added another score to the total on Saturday as Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma smashed 105 against Punjab Kings in IPL 2026. 

From SRH to CSK here is a look at teams with 100-plus scores in Powerplay in IPL. SunRisers Hyderabad added another score to the total on Saturday as Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma smashed 105 against Punjab Kings in IPL 2026.&nbsp;

From SRH to CSK, teams with 100-plus scores in Powerplay in IPL

The Ashes 2025-26 is over, and Australia emerged as the winners with a 4-1 scoreline in their favour. Let’s take a look at the top five highest run-scorers in the series, with two Englishmen in the top three.

The Ashes 2025-26 is over, and Australia emerged as the winners with a 4-1 scoreline in their favour. Let’s take a look at the top five highest run-scorers in the series, with two Englishmen in the top three.

Meet 5 batters with most runs in Ashes 2025-26

Aussie Travis Head is enjoying the form of his life in ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series with three hundreds and 600 runs in nine innings of five Tests. There one more innings left for Australia to bat and Head can very much become the first Aussie opener to score 600 runs in a single Ashes since 2000. The batter also has hit three hundred in the series with two of them being 150-plus. His 163 in the first innings of Ashes Test was his 7th 150-plus Test score but the dashing batter still hasn't scored a single double ton to which he says: 'Beggers can’t be choosers.'<h2>Head speaks on not scoring a Test double ton</h2>After scoring 163 in Sydney, Head was told by reporters that he has seven 150-plus Test scores but not a single double hundred, to which he replied with a laugh: "Beggars can’t be choosers. It’s a pretty s**t stat, isn’t it. I’d much rather 160 or 170 than zero to 10. I won’t complain about that."Head was the makeshift opener for Australia after Usman Khawaja suffered back spasm and could not open in the first Test in Perth. Head came and scored 123 in the second innings, helping Australia win and has been the opener for the series thereon.Also Watch - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-video-india-batter-gets-vada-pav-offer-by-fans-druing-practice-session-ahead-of-nz-series-watch-1767780915585">Rohit gets 'vada pav' offer by fans during practice session</a><h2>Head joins elite list of openers</h2>Head has scored 579 of his 600 runs as an opener in the series. His runs came at an average of 72 with three tons and a best of 170. He <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/opening-batters-with-500-runs-in-one-ashes-series-since-2000-head-cook-vaughan-warner-1767786504037/1767786504042">can very well become only the third opener</a> to score 600 or more runs in one Ashes series since 2000. Only Alastair Cook (in Ashes 2010/11) and Michael Vaughan (in Ashes 2002/03) have achieved the milestone. He'll also be the first Aussie to reach the landmark if he score 21 runs in Australia's second innings in the onoing Sydney Test.

After scoring 163 in Sydney, Head was told by reporters that he has seven 150-plus Test scores but not a single double hundred, to which he replied with a laugh: “Beggars can’t be choosers.”

Aussie Travis Head is enjoying the form of his life in ongoing Ashes 2025-26 series with three hundreds and 600 runs in nine innings of five Tests. There one more innings left for Australia to bat and Head can very much become the first Aussie opener to score 600 runs in a single Ashes since 2000. The batter also has hit three hundred in the series with two of them being 150-plus. His 163 in the first innings of Ashes Test was his 7th 150-plus Test score but the dashing batter still hasn't scored a single double ton to which he says: 'Beggers can’t be choosers.' Head speaks on not scoring a Test double ton After scoring 163 in Sydney, Head was told by reporters that he has seven 150-plus Test scores but not a single double hundred, to which he replied with a laugh: "Beggars can’t be choosers. It’s a pretty s**t stat, isn’t it. I’d much rather 160 or 170 than zero to 10. I won’t complain about that." Head was the makeshift opener for Australia after Usman Khawaja suffered back spasm and could not open in the first Test in Perth. Head came and scored 123 in the second innings, helping Australia win and has been the opener for the series thereon. Also Watch - Rohit gets 'vada pav' offer by fans during practice session Head joins elite list of openers Head has scored 579 of his 600 runs as an opener in the series. His runs came at an average of 72 with three tons and a best of 170. He can very well become only the third opener to score 600 or more runs in one Ashes series since 2000. Only Alastair Cook (in Ashes 2010/11) and Michael Vaughan (in Ashes 2002/03) have achieved the milestone. He'll also be the first Aussie to reach the landmark if he score 21 runs in Australia's second innings in the onoing Sydney Test.

After scoring 163 in Sydney, Head was told by reporters that he has seven 150-plus Test scores but not a single double hundred, to which he replied with a laugh: “Beggars can’t be choosers.”

Travis Head says 'beggars can't be choosers' on being reminded about no Test double hundred

Travis Head (579 runs in Ashes 2025/26) is now one of four openers with 500+ runs in one Ashes series 2000. The other three batters are Alastair Cook (766 in 2010/11), Michael Vaughan (633 in 2002/03), and David Warner (523 in 2013/14).

Travis Head (579 runs in Ashes 2025/26) is now one of four openers with 500+ runs in one Ashes series 2000. The other three batters are Alastair Cook (766 in 2010/11), Michael Vaughan (633 in 2002/03), and David Warner (523 in 2013/14).

Travis Head joins list of openers with 500-plus runs in one Ashes series since 2000. Only three more batters are in list

Run-machine Travis Head hit a swashbuckling 163 and Steve Smith an unbeaten 65 as Australia moved to within seven runs of England's first innings 384 at tea on day three of the fifth and final Ashes Test on Tuesday (Jan 6). It was the destructive opener's third ton of the series, to go with the phenomenal match-winning 123 he made in Perth and 170 in Adelaide. It helped drive the hosts, who began the day 166-2, to 377-6 at the break in a packed Sydney Cricket Ground, with Cameron Green alongside Smith on eight not out.&nbsp;Head brought up three figures off just 105 balls and seemed destined to score 200. But he came undone in the third over after lunch by the part-time spin of Jacob Bethell, who was bowling for the first time in the series. In his second over, Bethell trapped the 32-year-old LBW attempting a sweep shot to end a magnificent knock.&nbsp;Usman Khawaja, in his 88th and last Test after announcing his retirement, also fell LBW in the second session, to Brydon Carse for 17. Josh Tongue was probing and finally got a reward when he enticed an edge from Alex Carey to Bethell in the slips on 16 just before tea to reinvigorate England.&nbsp;The hosts lead the series 3-1 and have already retained the Ashes, with England desperate for another win after victory at the previous Test in Melbourne.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-watch-stokes-and-labuschagne-in-heated-exchange-in-sydney-test-day-2-1767622948755">Ashes 2025-26: Stokes-Labuschagne get into heated exchange on day 2 of Sydney Test | WATCH</a>&nbsp;Head resumed on 91, and nightwatchman Michael Neser on one after Jake Weatherald (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (48) were out on Monday. The left-hander clattered an early midwicket boundary off Ben Stokes and reached three figures with his 17th four, crunched through the covers from Tongue, windmilling his bat in celebration. It was his 12th century and first in Sydney to cement his reputation as one of the game's most versatile batsmen.&nbsp;Head only moved to the top of the order in the second innings of the first Test in Perth due to Khawaja's back injury, but he has made the position his own. With his hundred secure, he banged three straight fours off Matthew Potts, then had a massive let-off on 121 when he pulled Carse and Will Jacks dropped a sitter near the ropes.&nbsp;A big six off Potts took him to 148, and he passed 150 with another four from Tongue.&nbsp;Neser ably stuck around for 90 balls to foil England, who wasted their last two reviews on him.&nbsp;Batting like a top-order batsman, he smacked four boundaries before getting a thin edge on 24 to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith off Carse.&nbsp;Smith, on 12, was dropped at leg slip by Zak Crawley but safely made it to lunch and posted 50 for the 45th time with a drive down the ground.&nbsp;When Khawaja departed, Carey produced a series of textbook strokes before being dismissed in a similar way to his last two Tests.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Head's 163 was the destructive opener's third ton of the series, to go with the phenomenal match-winning 123 he made in Perth and 170 in Adelaide.

Run-machine Travis Head hit a swashbuckling 163 and Steve Smith an unbeaten 65 as Australia moved to within seven runs of England's first innings 384 at tea on day three of the fifth and final Ashes Test on Tuesday (Jan 6). It was the destructive opener's third ton of the series, to go with the phenomenal match-winning 123 he made in Perth and 170 in Adelaide. It helped drive the hosts, who began the day 166-2, to 377-6 at the break in a packed Sydney Cricket Ground, with Cameron Green alongside Smith on eight not out. Head brought up three figures off just 105 balls and seemed destined to score 200. But he came undone in the third over after lunch by the part-time spin of Jacob Bethell, who was bowling for the first time in the series. In his second over, Bethell trapped the 32-year-old LBW attempting a sweep shot to end a magnificent knock. Usman Khawaja, in his 88th and last Test after announcing his retirement, also fell LBW in the second session, to Brydon Carse for 17. Josh Tongue was probing and finally got a reward when he enticed an edge from Alex Carey to Bethell in the slips on 16 just before tea to reinvigorate England. The hosts lead the series 3-1 and have already retained the Ashes, with England desperate for another win after victory at the previous Test in Melbourne. Also read | Ashes 2025-26: Stokes-Labuschagne get into heated exchange on day 2 of Sydney Test | WATCH Head resumed on 91, and nightwatchman Michael Neser on one after Jake Weatherald (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (48) were out on Monday. The left-hander clattered an early midwicket boundary off Ben Stokes and reached three figures with his 17th four, crunched through the covers from Tongue, windmilling his bat in celebration. It was his 12th century and first in Sydney to cement his reputation as one of the game's most versatile batsmen. Head only moved to the top of the order in the second innings of the first Test in Perth due to Khawaja's back injury, but he has made the position his own. With his hundred secure, he banged three straight fours off Matthew Potts, then had a massive let-off on 121 when he pulled Carse and Will Jacks dropped a sitter near the ropes. A big six off Potts took him to 148, and he passed 150 with another four from Tongue. Neser ably stuck around for 90 balls to foil England, who wasted their last two reviews on him. Batting like a top-order batsman, he smacked four boundaries before getting a thin edge on 24 to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith off Carse. Smith, on 12, was dropped at leg slip by Zak Crawley but safely made it to lunch and posted 50 for the 45th time with a drive down the ground. When Khawaja departed, Carey produced a series of textbook strokes before being dismissed in a similar way to his last two Tests. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Head's 163 was the destructive opener's third ton of the series, to go with the phenomenal match-winning 123 he made in Perth and 170 in Adelaide.

SCG Test, Day 3: Travis Head’s 163 helps Australia cut ENG’s first-inning deficit; Smith eyes Ashes ton

An imperious Joe Root hit a magnificent 160 to drive England to 384 in the fifth and final Ashes Test on Monday before Travis Head let rip to haul Australia back into the contest with a rapid-fire unbeaten 91. Root's superb innings, his 41st ton to match Ricky Ponting, was only ended courtesy of a brilliant caught-and-bowled by Michael Neser, who finished with 4-60.&nbsp;&nbsp;Australia were left to negotiate the final session of day two at a sold-out Sydney Cricket Ground, which they did for the loss of Jake Weatherald (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (48). By stumps, the hosts had raced to 166-2 with nightwatchman Neser on one alongside Head.&nbsp;"I think it's set interestingly," Root told TNT Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added, "Most important for us is not panicking, not dwelling too much on what happened here.&nbsp;"It's how we respond tomorrow morning and maximise that chance first up."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-scg-test-3-more-150s-and-joe-root-levels-sachin-tendulkar-tally-in-tests-1767588930571">Ashes: 3 more 150s and Joe Root levels Sachin Tendulkar's tally in Tests</a>&nbsp;Weatherald, who needed a big score to stave off the critics, again failed to live up to expectations since making his debut at the first Test in Perth. He was dropped twice in the space of three balls, by Root, then Ben Duckett, before captain Ben Stokes trapped him lbw. But Head, who, like Root, has slammed two centuries this series, was in the zone. He clattered three boundaries off the second over from Matthew Potts, in the side for the injured Gus Atkinson, and there was no let-up, blitzing a quickfire 50 off 55 balls.&nbsp;Labuschagne was also in good touch, stroking seven boundaries before thick-edging Stokes to Jacob Bethell at gully.&nbsp;Australia lead the series 3-1 and have already retained the Ashes, with England desperate for another win after victory at the previous Test in Melbourne.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Travis Head remains unbeaten on 91 as Australia trail by 218 at stumps on day two of the SCG Test.

An imperious Joe Root hit a magnificent 160 to drive England to 384 in the fifth and final Ashes Test on Monday before Travis Head let rip to haul Australia back into the contest with a rapid-fire unbeaten 91. Root's superb innings, his 41st ton to match Ricky Ponting, was only ended courtesy of a brilliant caught-and-bowled by Michael Neser, who finished with 4-60. Australia were left to negotiate the final session of day two at a sold-out Sydney Cricket Ground, which they did for the loss of Jake Weatherald (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (48). By stumps, the hosts had raced to 166-2 with nightwatchman Neser on one alongside Head. "I think it's set interestingly," Root told TNT Sports. He added, "Most important for us is not panicking, not dwelling too much on what happened here. "It's how we respond tomorrow morning and maximise that chance first up." Also read | Ashes: 3 more 150s and Joe Root levels Sachin Tendulkar's tally in Tests Weatherald, who needed a big score to stave off the critics, again failed to live up to expectations since making his debut at the first Test in Perth. He was dropped twice in the space of three balls, by Root, then Ben Duckett, before captain Ben Stokes trapped him lbw. But Head, who, like Root, has slammed two centuries this series, was in the zone. He clattered three boundaries off the second over from Matthew Potts, in the side for the injured Gus Atkinson, and there was no let-up, blitzing a quickfire 50 off 55 balls. Labuschagne was also in good touch, stroking seven boundaries before thick-edging Stokes to Jacob Bethell at gully. Australia lead the series 3-1 and have already retained the Ashes, with England desperate for another win after victory at the previous Test in Melbourne. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

Travis Head remains unbeaten on 91 as Australia trail by 218 at stumps on day two of the SCG Test.

Ashes: Travis Head leads Australia’s charge in Sydney after Root’s record-breaking 160

From Harry Brook to Steve Smith, here's a look at the top five batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026. This list also includes Kane Williamson, Joe Root and Travis Head

From Harry Brook to Steve Smith, here's a look at the top five batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026. This list also includes Kane Williamson, Joe Root and Travis Head

Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026

Australia batter Travis Head has said he hopes players from Australia and England can come together for drinks after the Ashes ends in Sydney, bringing back a long-standing tradition between the two fierce rivals. With Australia already retaining the Ashes, Head believes the series has been played in the right spirit and deserves a friendly finish off the field.&nbsp;Sharing drinks at the end of an Ashes series has been common for decades, symbolising mutual respect after weeks of intense cricket. However, that tradition was missed after the 2023 Ashes in England, when tensions between the teams ran high, and post-series plans never worked out. Head feels the upcoming Sydney Test offers a chance to turn the page.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rashid-khan-to-lead-afghanistan-at-t20-world-cup-2026-mujeeb-farooqi-return-1767170272061">Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan at T20 World Cup 2026; Mujeeb, Farooqi return</a>&nbsp;Speaking to an Australian newspaper, Head said there is strong respect between the two sides and good personal relationships among players. He mentioned that he gets along well with a few England cricketers and is especially looking forward to having a beer with England opener Ben Duckett once the series wraps up. For Head, it would be a nice moment, made sweeter by the fact that Australia have already won the series.&nbsp;Australia currently lead the five-match series 3-1 after clinching victory in the third Test in Adelaide, which confirmed their hold on the Ashes urn. The final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 4.&nbsp;Relations between the teams had taken a hit during the 2023 Ashes after a major controversy involving Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey and England batter Jonny Bairstow. The incident sparked a debate around the “spirit of cricket” and led to heated exchanges, including abuse directed at Australian players by England fans at Lord’s. At the time, England coach Brendon McCullum said he could not imagine sharing drinks with Australia.&nbsp;Although McCullum later softened his stance, the teams never met, leading to criticism in Australian media. England captain Ben Stokes later explained that long farewells after the final Test prevented the gathering.&nbsp;This time, Head hopes things will be different. For him, sharing a drink would be a simple but meaningful way to close the chapter on a hard-fought Ashes series and restore a valued tradition.

Travis Head hopes Australia and England revive the Ashes tradition of post-series drinks in Sydney, stressing mutual respect between the teams after Australia secured the Ashes series.


Australia batter Travis Head has said he hopes players from Australia and England can come together for drinks after the Ashes ends in Sydney, bringing back a long-standing tradition between the two fierce rivals. With Australia already retaining the Ashes, Head believes the series has been played in the right spirit and deserves a friendly finish off the field. Sharing drinks at the end of an Ashes series has been common for decades, symbolising mutual respect after weeks of intense cricket. However, that tradition was missed after the 2023 Ashes in England, when tensions between the teams ran high, and post-series plans never worked out. Head feels the upcoming Sydney Test offers a chance to turn the page. Also read | Rashid Khan to lead Afghanistan at T20 World Cup 2026; Mujeeb, Farooqi return Speaking to an Australian newspaper, Head said there is strong respect between the two sides and good personal relationships among players. He mentioned that he gets along well with a few England cricketers and is especially looking forward to having a beer with England opener Ben Duckett once the series wraps up. For Head, it would be a nice moment, made sweeter by the fact that Australia have already won the series. Australia currently lead the five-match series 3-1 after clinching victory in the third Test in Adelaide, which confirmed their hold on the Ashes urn. The final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting January 4. Relations between the teams had taken a hit during the 2023 Ashes after a major controversy involving Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey and England batter Jonny Bairstow. The incident sparked a debate around the “spirit of cricket” and led to heated exchanges, including abuse directed at Australian players by England fans at Lord’s. At the time, England coach Brendon McCullum said he could not imagine sharing drinks with Australia. Although McCullum later softened his stance, the teams never met, leading to criticism in Australian media. England captain Ben Stokes later explained that long farewells after the final Test prevented the gathering. This time, Head hopes things will be different. For him, sharing a drink would be a simple but meaningful way to close the chapter on a hard-fought Ashes series and restore a valued tradition.

Travis Head hopes Australia and England revive the Ashes tradition of post-series drinks in Sydney, stressing mutual respect between the teams after Australia secured the Ashes series.

Ashes 2025-26: Travis Head wants rivals to share drinks after Sydney Test

The ongoing Ashes have turned foes into friends as Australian opener Travis Head admits to reaching out to his counterpart, England opener Ben Duckett, over the drunken video episode that put him and the touring English side in bad light. Following England's loss in the third Test in Adelaide, ECB managing director Robert Key vowed to investigate reports of English players drinking excessively during a break in the beach town of Noosa; a few unverified videos of drunken Duckett involved in arguments with members of the public went viral soon after, putting him on notice.&nbsp;Speaking on what Duckett must have faced and felt heading into the Boxing Day Test, which England won inside two days, Head revealed, "I get on with Ducky well and reached out to him to see if he was going alright. &nbsp;"Everyone is still human. What you do in your personal time is up to you. &nbsp;"I know we live a high-profile life, and some people are more high-profile than others. At the end of the day, it is a bit stiff, but I don't think there is any real issue,” Head said, as quoted by the BBC.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-aus-vs-eng-mcg-pitch-curator-disappointed-with-boxing-day-test-result-vows-to-never-1766910623042">Ashes: ‘Shocked’ MCG curator disappointed with Boxing Day Test result, vows to never…</a> &nbsp;After losing the Ashes opener in Perth, which got wrapped up within six sessions, several English players were reportedly drinking heavily during their time on the Queensland coast, raising questions about their seriousness about the series. Although England produced an improved show in the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, they lost that pink-ball Test, further conceding the Ashes in the third game in Adelaide. &nbsp;England captain Ben Stokes also threw his weight behind Duckett ahead of the Boxing Day Test, admitting to enduring the hardest time as an English skipper while managing the well-being of his teammates. &nbsp;On the other hand, Head, who scored a valiant 46 in the second innings at the MCG, spoke on England breaking the ice and winning a Test match Down Under, their first since 2011. &nbsp;"I was jealous,” Head said. "Everyone has made a lot more out of it than what it should have been. &nbsp;"We have done the same thing on past tours. I don't have an issue with it,” he added. &nbsp;Meanwhile, despite losing the Boxing Day Test to England, Australia lead the five-match series 3-1, with the New Year’s Test awaiting at the SCG, starting early next year.

Under-fire Duckett scored 36 runs across two innings in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. 

The ongoing Ashes have turned foes into friends as Australian opener Travis Head admits to reaching out to his counterpart, England opener Ben Duckett, over the drunken video episode that put him and the touring English side in bad light. Following England's loss in the third Test in Adelaide, ECB managing director Robert Key vowed to investigate reports of English players drinking excessively during a break in the beach town of Noosa; a few unverified videos of drunken Duckett involved in arguments with members of the public went viral soon after, putting him on notice. Speaking on what Duckett must have faced and felt heading into the Boxing Day Test, which England won inside two days, Head revealed, "I get on with Ducky well and reached out to him to see if he was going alright. "Everyone is still human. What you do in your personal time is up to you. "I know we live a high-profile life, and some people are more high-profile than others. At the end of the day, it is a bit stiff, but I don't think there is any real issue,” Head said, as quoted by the BBC. Also read | Ashes: ‘Shocked’ MCG curator disappointed with Boxing Day Test result, vows to never… After losing the Ashes opener in Perth, which got wrapped up within six sessions, several English players were reportedly drinking heavily during their time on the Queensland coast, raising questions about their seriousness about the series. Although England produced an improved show in the second Test at the Gabba in Brisbane, they lost that pink-ball Test, further conceding the Ashes in the third game in Adelaide. England captain Ben Stokes also threw his weight behind Duckett ahead of the Boxing Day Test, admitting to enduring the hardest time as an English skipper while managing the well-being of his teammates. On the other hand, Head, who scored a valiant 46 in the second innings at the MCG, spoke on England breaking the ice and winning a Test match Down Under, their first since 2011. "I was jealous,” Head said. "Everyone has made a lot more out of it than what it should have been. "We have done the same thing on past tours. I don't have an issue with it,” he added. Meanwhile, despite losing the Boxing Day Test to England, Australia lead the five-match series 3-1, with the New Year’s Test awaiting at the SCG, starting early next year.

Under-fire Duckett scored 36 runs across two innings in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.&nbsp;

Ashes: Ben Duckett finds unlikely support in Travis Head over ‘drinking video’ episode

Australia are in pole position to clinch the Adelaide Test as the hosts were fired to a 300-plus lead on Day 3 of the Ashes 2025-26 contest. Playing at the Adelaide Oval, Australia’s Travis Head smashed a brilliant unbeaten 142 at Stumps on Day 3, meaning the hosts now lead by 356 runs in the second innings as the Aussies closed at 271/4. This came after England were earlier bowled out for 286 runs, meaning they surrendered an 85-run lead to Australia.<h2>Head leads Australia into pole position</h2>Having failed to impress in the first innings of the Test match, Head had other ideas on Friday as he seized advantage for the hosts. Despite losing Jake Weatherald (1) in the second over of the innings, Head and Co recovered well before Marnus Labuschagne (13) was dismissed by Josh Tongue in the second session of the day.&nbsp;Later, it was Usman Khawaja (40) and Cameron Green (7) who departed quickly as Australia were 149/4 at one stage. However, first innings centurion Alex Carey joined Head as they stitched an unbeaten stand of 122 runs for the fifth wicket before Stumps.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;This was Head’s 11th century in the Test format and second of the ongoing Ashes, having also scored 123 runs in the second innings of the opening Test in Perth. Carey, on the other hand, is unbeaten on 52 as he looks to build on his hundred in the first innings.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>What happened in England’s innings?</h2>In the opening session of Day 3, England captain Ben Stokes was dismissed on 83 and missed out on a ton. He, along with Jofra Archer, put together 106 runs for the ninth wicket, meaning England significantly reduced Australia’s first innings advantage. Four overs after Stokes’s dismissal, Archer was also dismissed as England were bowled out for 286. Apart from Stokes and Archer, Harry Brook played a key role with a 45-run knock on Day 2.&nbsp;For Australia, both Scott Boland and captain Pat Cummins bagged three wickets each while Nathan Lyon bagged a brace on Day 2, which also saw him surpass Glenn McGrath for most Test wickets.

Playing at the Adelaide Oval, Australia’s Travis Head smashed a brilliant unbeaten 142 at Stumps on Day 3, meaning the hosts now lead by 356 runs in the second innings as the Aussies closed at 271/4. 

Australia are in pole position to clinch the Adelaide Test as the hosts were fired to a 300-plus lead on Day 3 of the Ashes 2025-26 contest. Playing at the Adelaide Oval, Australia’s Travis Head smashed a brilliant unbeaten 142 at Stumps on Day 3, meaning the hosts now lead by 356 runs in the second innings as the Aussies closed at 271/4. This came after England were earlier bowled out for 286 runs, meaning they surrendered an 85-run lead to Australia. Head leads Australia into pole position Having failed to impress in the first innings of the Test match, Head had other ideas on Friday as he seized advantage for the hosts. Despite losing Jake Weatherald (1) in the second over of the innings, Head and Co recovered well before Marnus Labuschagne (13) was dismissed by Josh Tongue in the second session of the day. Later, it was Usman Khawaja (40) and Cameron Green (7) who departed quickly as Australia were 149/4 at one stage. However, first innings centurion Alex Carey joined Head as they stitched an unbeaten stand of 122 runs for the fifth wicket before Stumps. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes This was Head’s 11th century in the Test format and second of the ongoing Ashes, having also scored 123 runs in the second innings of the opening Test in Perth. Carey, on the other hand, is unbeaten on 52 as he looks to build on his hundred in the first innings. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes What happened in England’s innings? In the opening session of Day 3, England captain Ben Stokes was dismissed on 83 and missed out on a ton. He, along with Jofra Archer, put together 106 runs for the ninth wicket, meaning England significantly reduced Australia’s first innings advantage. Four overs after Stokes’s dismissal, Archer was also dismissed as England were bowled out for 286. Apart from Stokes and Archer, Harry Brook played a key role with a 45-run knock on Day 2. For Australia, both Scott Boland and captain Pat Cummins bagged three wickets each while Nathan Lyon bagged a brace on Day 2, which also saw him surpass Glenn McGrath for most Test wickets.

Playing at the Adelaide Oval, Australia’s Travis Head smashed a brilliant unbeaten 142 at Stumps on Day 3, meaning the hosts now lead by 356 runs in the second innings as the Aussies closed at 271/4.&nbsp;

Ashes: Travis Head leads Australia into pole position as England fight to save Adelaide Test

Former Australia opener David Warner has warned England ahead of the third Ashes Test, with the hosts set to welcome back Usman Khawaja as an opener. Australia, currently leading 2-0 in the five-match Ashes series, will have a huge boost with the return of captain Pat Cummins, but also the return of Khawaja. The latter’s return also means Travis Head will drop down to the middle order, inflicting more bad news for England.<h2>Warner warns England</h2>"I think Uzzy comes back in, slides to the top, and Trav goes down," Warner told reporters ahead of captaining Sydney Thunder in the BBL. "That's probably a worse result for England, Travis Head going back down the order."&nbsp;"At the end of the day, Travis put his hand up to bat in the situation he was in," Warner said. "He came out and batted in the way Travis Head does. You see plenty of interviews from Trav saying that is Uzzy's spot, and if when the time comes they ask him to go up the order, he wouldn't mind to do that.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;"We didn't have that aggressor down in the middle order [in previous years]. Australia has that now as well, and moving forward with whatever Uzzy decides to do, if he hangs them up, they can look that way,” Warner added.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Australia have been convincing winners in the opening two Test matches of the Ashes as they look to seal the series in Adelaide. The hosts have a 100 percent record not just in the Ashes but also in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, winning all five matches so far.&nbsp;However, a win in Adelaide will see them pocket the Ashes before entering the traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s Day fixtures in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively.

Australia have been convincing winners in the opening two Test matches of the Ashes as they look to seal the series in Adelaide. The hosts have a 100 percent record not just in the Ashes but also in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, winning all five matches so far.

Former Australia opener David Warner has warned England ahead of the third Ashes Test, with the hosts set to welcome back Usman Khawaja as an opener. Australia, currently leading 2-0 in the five-match Ashes series, will have a huge boost with the return of captain Pat Cummins, but also the return of Khawaja. The latter’s return also means Travis Head will drop down to the middle order, inflicting more bad news for England. Warner warns England "I think Uzzy comes back in, slides to the top, and Trav goes down," Warner told reporters ahead of captaining Sydney Thunder in the BBL. "That's probably a worse result for England, Travis Head going back down the order." "At the end of the day, Travis put his hand up to bat in the situation he was in," Warner said. "He came out and batted in the way Travis Head does. You see plenty of interviews from Trav saying that is Uzzy's spot, and if when the time comes they ask him to go up the order, he wouldn't mind to do that. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes "We didn't have that aggressor down in the middle order [in previous years]. Australia has that now as well, and moving forward with whatever Uzzy decides to do, if he hangs them up, they can look that way,” Warner added. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Australia have been convincing winners in the opening two Test matches of the Ashes as they look to seal the series in Adelaide. The hosts have a 100 percent record not just in the Ashes but also in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, winning all five matches so far. However, a win in Adelaide will see them pocket the Ashes before entering the traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s Day fixtures in Melbourne and Sydney, respectively.

Australia have been convincing winners in the opening two Test matches of the Ashes as they look to seal the series in Adelaide. The hosts have a 100 percent record not just in the Ashes but also in the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, winning all five matches so far.

Ashes 2025-26: David Warner warns England ahead of third Test, asks visitors to be wary of Head, Khawaja

Travis Head, known to perform on bigger stages and in challenging conditions, would care the least about his batting position as long as it’s for the team; that was his mindset after being promoted to open in the second innings of the Ashes opener in Perth (in Khawaja's absence), wherein he smoked a brilliant hundred (123 off 83 balls) while chasing, helping Australia win the match inside two days and take a 1-0 lead in this five-match series. With the hosts still contemplating their opening pair for the Pink-Ball Test in Brisbane, Head seems to be happier in taking up whatever his role demands.&nbsp;The Australian team landed in Brisbane on Sunday (Nov 30); before their training for the second Test began, Head revealed that his batting position hasn’t been discussed yet, as he continues to prepare for anything at this stage.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-eng-joe-root-questions-need-for-pink-ball-ashes-tests-amid-dry-run-down-under-1764492834023">Joe Root questions need for pink-ball Ashes Tests amid dry run Down Under</a> &nbsp;"I'm happy," Head said of his chances to retain his spot as opener for the remainder of the series. "If that's what is needed to win a Test match, and if that's what's required, then, yeah, I'm fine with it. &nbsp;"I'm preparing for anything at this stage… There's a fair bit to work through. I've just got here. We haven't really had many conversations over the last week. It's been about just spending some time out of the game as much as you can. You don't get much time to chill out in a massive series like this, where it's pretty full-on every single day,” he continues.<h3>‘Batting orders are overrated’</h3>Head agreed with his Test captain Pat Cummins’ remarks on batting orders being overrated, explaining, “I agree with Pat. I think you could use this order and these players in a range of different ways, and whatever way that is to win games of cricket. &nbsp;"We've seen it in red-ball [Tests] but particularly probably pink-ball [Tests] as well. Non-traditional stuff, with double nightwatchmen, how you use orders, and how you use players in certain situations. So, I agree with Pat that I think they're slightly over-rated… It's ever-evolving, and we'll see where we get to,” he continued.&nbsp;

Amid concerns around Usman Khawaja's fitness and form, Travis Head leads race to open in the second Test at the Gabba.

Travis Head, known to perform on bigger stages and in challenging conditions, would care the least about his batting position as long as it’s for the team; that was his mindset after being promoted to open in the second innings of the Ashes opener in Perth (in Khawaja's absence), wherein he smoked a brilliant hundred (123 off 83 balls) while chasing, helping Australia win the match inside two days and take a 1-0 lead in this five-match series. With the hosts still contemplating their opening pair for the Pink-Ball Test in Brisbane, Head seems to be happier in taking up whatever his role demands. The Australian team landed in Brisbane on Sunday (Nov 30); before their training for the second Test began, Head revealed that his batting position hasn’t been discussed yet, as he continues to prepare for anything at this stage. Also read | Joe Root questions need for pink-ball Ashes Tests amid dry run Down Under "I'm happy," Head said of his chances to retain his spot as opener for the remainder of the series. "If that's what is needed to win a Test match, and if that's what's required, then, yeah, I'm fine with it. "I'm preparing for anything at this stage… There's a fair bit to work through. I've just got here. We haven't really had many conversations over the last week. It's been about just spending some time out of the game as much as you can. You don't get much time to chill out in a massive series like this, where it's pretty full-on every single day,” he continues. ‘Batting orders are overrated’ Head agreed with his Test captain Pat Cummins’ remarks on batting orders being overrated, explaining, “I agree with Pat. I think you could use this order and these players in a range of different ways, and whatever way that is to win games of cricket. "We've seen it in red-ball [Tests] but particularly probably pink-ball [Tests] as well. Non-traditional stuff, with double nightwatchmen, how you use orders, and how you use players in certain situations. So, I agree with Pat that I think they're slightly over-rated… It's ever-evolving, and we'll see where we get to,” he continued.

Amid concerns around Usman Khawaja's fitness and form, Travis Head leads race to open in the second Test at the Gabba.

Ashes, 2nd Test: ‘I am preparing for anything,’ Travis Head on opening alongside Khawaja

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has deemed the Perth pitch of first Ashes Test between England and Australia as "very good" despite the match getting over inside two days. The match saw 19 wickets falling on day 1 and 12 on day 2 as Australia marched to a sensational 8-wicket victory thanks to a Travis Head special. The rating was decided by match referee Ranjan Madugalle who deemed that the Perth surface had "good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers."<h2>Debate over pitch rating</h2>The Perth Test was played around the same days as India vs South Africa first Test in Kolkata which also got over inside two days. There's, however, no rating issued so far for the Eden Gardens pitch which assisted the spinners from the very first session and saw India bowled out for 93 in chase of 124, thus losing the match by 30 runs.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/latest-wtc-standings-2025-27-india-slip-below-pakistan-after-series-loss-vs-south-africa-1764155097455">WTC Standings 2025-27: India slip below Pakistan after series loss vs SA</a>In Perth, the pitch had carry and bounce but poor shot selection also aided in both England and Australia being bowled out for below 200-run score in the first innings. In the second innings, England collapsed again before Head smashed a mind-blowing 123 to help the hosts win the Test.<h2>Perth Test records</h2>The first of five Ashes Tests &nbsp;was the shortest in terms of balls bowled since 1888 with only 847 deliveries required to finish the contest. The aggressive batting style by both England and Australia, especially in the second innings, also abetted less balls being bowled.The pacers dominated the Test, taking all 31 wickets which fell across two days with Aussie Mitchell Starc taking a ten-for including a career best 7/58 in England's first innings. With the match getting over inside two days, Cricket Australia lost nearly AUS $3-4 million in revenues as well.

In Perth, the pitch had carry and bounce but poor shot selection also aided in both England and Australia being bowled out for below 200-run score in the first innings. In the second innings, England collapsed again before Head smashed a mind-blowing 123 to help the hosts win the Test.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has deemed the Perth pitch of first Ashes Test between England and Australia as "very good" despite the match getting over inside two days. The match saw 19 wickets falling on day 1 and 12 on day 2 as Australia marched to a sensational 8-wicket victory thanks to a Travis Head special. The rating was decided by match referee Ranjan Madugalle who deemed that the Perth surface had "good carry, limited seam movement, and consistent bounce early in the match, allowing for a balanced contest between batters and bowlers." Debate over pitch rating The Perth Test was played around the same days as India vs South Africa first Test in Kolkata which also got over inside two days. There's, however, no rating issued so far for the Eden Gardens pitch which assisted the spinners from the very first session and saw India bowled out for 93 in chase of 124, thus losing the match by 30 runs. Also Read - WTC Standings 2025-27: India slip below Pakistan after series loss vs SA In Perth, the pitch had carry and bounce but poor shot selection also aided in both England and Australia being bowled out for below 200-run score in the first innings. In the second innings, England collapsed again before Head smashed a mind-blowing 123 to help the hosts win the Test. Perth Test records The first of five Ashes Tests was the shortest in terms of balls bowled since 1888 with only 847 deliveries required to finish the contest. The aggressive batting style by both England and Australia, especially in the second innings, also abetted less balls being bowled. The pacers dominated the Test, taking all 31 wickets which fell across two days with Aussie Mitchell Starc taking a ten-for including a career best 7/58 in England's first innings. With the match getting over inside two days, Cricket Australia lost nearly AUS $3-4 million in revenues as well.

In Perth, the pitch had carry and bounce but poor shot selection also aided in both England and Australia being bowled out for below 200-run score in the first innings. In the second innings, England collapsed again before Head smashed a mind-blowing 123 to help the hosts win the Test.

Ashes 2025-26: ICC rates Perth pitch as 'very good' despite Test getting over inside two days

Australia may have crushed England in Perth, but the debate around their batting order and team balance for the pink-ball Test in Brisbane is far from settled. The big question is whether Travis Head should stay in the middle order or continue opening after his blistering century in Perth. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch believes Head still fits best at No. 5, especially in a day-night Test where the pink ball behaves differently. Head opened only because Usman Khawaja struggled with back spasms and could not take the field for long periods. He still batted at no. 4 in the first innings and fell to a rising ball from Brydon Carse.&nbsp;&nbsp;Khawaja’s form was already under the scanner heading into the Ashes, with just one Test hundred in his previous 44 innings, but Brisbane has been a strong venue for him. He is the leading run-scorer in day-night first-class cricket at the Gabba, with 502 runs at an average of 50. Finch said the pink ball adds a layer of strategy to Australia’s decision. In his view, Head’s firepower is more valuable in the middle order once the ball softens and conditions settle.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suresh-raina-net-worth-2025-how-mr-ipl-built-his-business-empire-1764150920720">Suresh Raina net worth 2025: How Mr IPL built his business empire</a><h2>Clarke backs Khawaja at the top</h2>Former captain Michael Clarke agreed, saying that if Khawaja is fit, he should return to his usual opening spot. Another important call for Australia is the role of Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;Despite bowling only two overs in Perth and missing the day-night Test in Jamaica earlier this year, both Clarke and Finch insist that Lyon must play in Brisbane. They believe his experience and control are too important to ignore, and conditions at the Gabba almost always reward a spinner later in the match.<h2>Cummins’ availability still unclear</h2>The final fitness check will be on Pat Cummins. He bowled with the pink ball in Sydney this week and rated himself “half a chance” to play. Finch was clear that Australia would not take risks with their captain. If Cummins is fully fit, he returns. If not, they keep him out with a long series ahead. As Brisbane approaches, Australia appear likely to stick with their original plan: Khawaja to open, Head at No. 5, Lyon in the XI, and Cummins only if he is 100 per cent ready.

Khawaja’s form was already under the scanner heading into the Ashes, with just one Test hundred in his previous 44 innings, but Brisbane has been a strong venue for him. He is the leading run-scorer in day-night first-class cricket at the Gabba, with 502 runs at an average of 50. 

Australia may have crushed England in Perth, but the debate around their batting order and team balance for the pink-ball Test in Brisbane is far from settled. The big question is whether Travis Head should stay in the middle order or continue opening after his blistering century in Perth. Former Australia captain Aaron Finch believes Head still fits best at No. 5, especially in a day-night Test where the pink ball behaves differently. Head opened only because Usman Khawaja struggled with back spasms and could not take the field for long periods. He still batted at no. 4 in the first innings and fell to a rising ball from Brydon Carse. Khawaja’s form was already under the scanner heading into the Ashes, with just one Test hundred in his previous 44 innings, but Brisbane has been a strong venue for him. He is the leading run-scorer in day-night first-class cricket at the Gabba, with 502 runs at an average of 50. Finch said the pink ball adds a layer of strategy to Australia’s decision. In his view, Head’s firepower is more valuable in the middle order once the ball softens and conditions settle. Also read | Suresh Raina net worth 2025: How Mr IPL built his business empire Clarke backs Khawaja at the top Former captain Michael Clarke agreed, saying that if Khawaja is fit, he should return to his usual opening spot. Another important call for Australia is the role of Nathan Lyon. Despite bowling only two overs in Perth and missing the day-night Test in Jamaica earlier this year, both Clarke and Finch insist that Lyon must play in Brisbane. They believe his experience and control are too important to ignore, and conditions at the Gabba almost always reward a spinner later in the match. Cummins’ availability still unclear The final fitness check will be on Pat Cummins. He bowled with the pink ball in Sydney this week and rated himself “half a chance” to play. Finch was clear that Australia would not take risks with their captain. If Cummins is fully fit, he returns. If not, they keep him out with a long series ahead. As Brisbane approaches, Australia appear likely to stick with their original plan: Khawaja to open, Head at No. 5, Lyon in the XI, and Cummins only if he is 100 per cent ready.

Khawaja’s form was already under the scanner heading into the Ashes, with just one Test hundred in his previous 44 innings, but Brisbane has been a strong venue for him. He is the leading run-scorer in day-night first-class cricket at the Gabba, with 502 runs at an average of 50.&nbsp;

Head or Khawaja? Who should open for Australia in Brisbane - Here's what Finch and Clarke suggests

England’s cricketers have slowly started regrouping after their overwhelming defeat in Perth, where they were left stunned by Travis Head and Australia. Several players, including Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope, were spotted unwinding on the golf course on Monday, trying to escape the barrage of harsh media criticism that followed their two-day loss. While England's players attempt to recover, Australian media have been relentless in their critiques, especially targeting the team’s collapse. Head, meanwhile, has been showered with praise, with some outlets even dubbing him ‘England’s Daddy’ for his match-winning performance.&nbsp;A few Australian journalists have gone as far as declaring the death of ‘Bazball,’ Brendan McCullum’s aggressive cricket style, suggesting the defeat may have marked the end of this approach. Will Swanton of The Australian humorously referenced an old obituary from 1882, written when England’s cricket team was defeated by Australia, comparing the two losses. His tongue-in-cheek “obituary” read: “In affectionate remembrance of Bazball, which died at the Perth Stadium on 22nd November, 2025. Deeply mourned by a large circle of sorrowing friends, especially those who had tickets for day three. RIP. N.B. – The ashes will be sent to Heathrow.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-if-we-get-the-ball-in-the-right-areas-there-s-says-stubbs-as-proteas-eye-clean-sweep-1764069961537">IND vs SA, 2nd Test: 'If we get the ball in the right areas, there's...', says Stubbs as Proteas eye clean sweep</a>&nbsp;Swanton questioned what lies ahead for England’s strategy, particularly after Head’s fiery century, which saw him score the second-fastest Test century by an Australian in an Ashes series. His knock of 16 fours and four sixes left England with little hope of stopping Australia’s victory march. The Australian media were quick to pile on, with The West Australian dubbing Head’s performance “Travball” and calling out England's poor batting display with harsh headlines like "Pommelled." One report even mocked England’s collapse, comparing their batters to “deckchairs” that folded under pressure. Across the Tasman, other writers like Daniel Brettig of The Sydney Morning Herald compared England’s cricket to the TV series Slow Horses, calling their performances entertaining but not quite enough to win an Ashes series in Australia. Brettig emphasized that England’s batting needed more consistency if they were to stand a chance.&nbsp;Despite the criticism, some in Australia are calling for Head to take up the opening spot ahead of Usman Khawaja, who has struggled with the bat recently. Meanwhile, England faces further questions about their preparation for the next Test, with their decision not to field players in a pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI causing some controversy. Many feel this is an opportunity missed to acclimatize to the day-night conditions at The Gabba, where England has struggled historically.&nbsp;Ben Stokes, England's captain, remains hopeful, despite the heavy loss. He expressed disappointment but is determined to move past the result and focus on bouncing back in the second Test. “We have been in difficult positions before and we know how to respond,” he said, hoping the team will approach the Brisbane Test with confidence.

After England's crushing loss in Perth, Australia’s press is relentless in criticising ‘Bazball.’ Meanwhile, Travis Head's explosive century leaves England stunned

England’s cricketers have slowly started regrouping after their overwhelming defeat in Perth, where they were left stunned by Travis Head and Australia. Several players, including Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope, were spotted unwinding on the golf course on Monday, trying to escape the barrage of harsh media criticism that followed their two-day loss. While England's players attempt to recover, Australian media have been relentless in their critiques, especially targeting the team’s collapse. Head, meanwhile, has been showered with praise, with some outlets even dubbing him ‘England’s Daddy’ for his match-winning performance. A few Australian journalists have gone as far as declaring the death of ‘Bazball,’ Brendan McCullum’s aggressive cricket style, suggesting the defeat may have marked the end of this approach. Will Swanton of The Australian humorously referenced an old obituary from 1882, written when England’s cricket team was defeated by Australia, comparing the two losses. His tongue-in-cheek “obituary” read: “In affectionate remembrance of Bazball, which died at the Perth Stadium on 22nd November, 2025. Deeply mourned by a large circle of sorrowing friends, especially those who had tickets for day three. RIP. N.B. – The ashes will be sent to Heathrow.” Also Read: IND vs SA, 2nd Test: 'If we get the ball in the right areas, there's...', says Stubbs as Proteas eye clean sweep Swanton questioned what lies ahead for England’s strategy, particularly after Head’s fiery century, which saw him score the second-fastest Test century by an Australian in an Ashes series. His knock of 16 fours and four sixes left England with little hope of stopping Australia’s victory march. The Australian media were quick to pile on, with The West Australian dubbing Head’s performance “Travball” and calling out England's poor batting display with harsh headlines like "Pommelled." One report even mocked England’s collapse, comparing their batters to “deckchairs” that folded under pressure. Across the Tasman, other writers like Daniel Brettig of The Sydney Morning Herald compared England’s cricket to the TV series Slow Horses, calling their performances entertaining but not quite enough to win an Ashes series in Australia. Brettig emphasized that England’s batting needed more consistency if they were to stand a chance. Despite the criticism, some in Australia are calling for Head to take up the opening spot ahead of Usman Khawaja, who has struggled with the bat recently. Meanwhile, England faces further questions about their preparation for the next Test, with their decision not to field players in a pink-ball match against the Prime Minister’s XI causing some controversy. Many feel this is an opportunity missed to acclimatize to the day-night conditions at The Gabba, where England has struggled historically. Ben Stokes, England's captain, remains hopeful, despite the heavy loss. He expressed disappointment but is determined to move past the result and focus on bouncing back in the second Test. “We have been in difficult positions before and we know how to respond,” he said, hoping the team will approach the Brisbane Test with confidence.

After England's crushing loss in Perth, Australia’s press is relentless in criticising ‘Bazball.’ Meanwhile, Travis Head's explosive century leaves England stunned

From England's Daddy to Travball: Here's how Australian media turned up the heat on Stokes’ men

Australia's Cricket team was at its fluent best on Saturday (Nov 22) as they wrapped up the opening Ashes Test in two days to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Led by the energetic Travis Head and the bowling heroics of Mitchell Starc, Australia beat England by eight wickets in a low-scoring affair that could have tilted the match in either side's favour. However, despite this, it is Cricket Australia who is now in worry after the match got over in two days.<h2>Cricket Australia to lose THIS whopping amount</h2>An early finish to the contest meant, Cricket Australia will have to refund tickets purchased for Days 3-5 of the Ashes Test. This means the CA has to refund thousands of fans as no cricket will take place on Sunday (the highest revenue expected) and thereafter. According to Espncricinfo, a record 101,514 attended the Test - 51,531 on Friday, then 49,983 - to surpass the record set of 96,463 in Perth last year when India won in four days. Day three was also almost sold out.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Had Day 3 been sold out, it would have set a new record for an Ashes Test at a non-Melbourne venue. CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million ($1.94 million) from ticket revenue for days three and four.&nbsp;"It's difficult for a number of different groups," Greenberg told SEN when discussing the financial impact of a match finishing early. "Our broadcasters, first of all. &nbsp;Certainly, us, on ticket sales and our partners and sponsors. There's a big economic impact on this series."&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a><h2>What happened in the match?</h2>Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes 2025-26 Test as they wrapped the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium. With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days, as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series.

Had Day 3 been sold out, it would have set a new record for an Ashes Test at a non-Melbourne venue. CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million ($1.94 million) from ticket revenue for days three and four.

Australia's Cricket team was at its fluent best on Saturday (Nov 22) as they wrapped up the opening Ashes Test in two days to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Led by the energetic Travis Head and the bowling heroics of Mitchell Starc, Australia beat England by eight wickets in a low-scoring affair that could have tilted the match in either side's favour. However, despite this, it is Cricket Australia who is now in worry after the match got over in two days. Cricket Australia to lose THIS whopping amount An early finish to the contest meant, Cricket Australia will have to refund tickets purchased for Days 3-5 of the Ashes Test. This means the CA has to refund thousands of fans as no cricket will take place on Sunday (the highest revenue expected) and thereafter. According to Espncricinfo, a record 101,514 attended the Test - 51,531 on Friday, then 49,983 - to surpass the record set of 96,463 in Perth last year when India won in four days. Day three was also almost sold out. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes Had Day 3 been sold out, it would have set a new record for an Ashes Test at a non-Melbourne venue. CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million ($1.94 million) from ticket revenue for days three and four. "It's difficult for a number of different groups," Greenberg told SEN when discussing the financial impact of a match finishing early. "Our broadcasters, first of all. Certainly, us, on ticket sales and our partners and sponsors. There's a big economic impact on this series." ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes What happened in the match? Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes 2025-26 Test as they wrapped the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium. With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days, as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series.

Had Day 3 been sold out, it would have set a new record for an Ashes Test at a non-Melbourne venue. CA are headed for an estimated loss of more than AU$3 million ($1.94 million) from ticket revenue for days three and four.

Ashes 2025-26: Brilliance on the field, but Cricket Australia to lose THIS whopping amount after two-day Test

From Travis Head to Joe Darling, these five batters hold the record for the fastest centuries in Ashes history. At the very top of the list sits a true legend who still hasn’t been matched.

From Travis Head to Joe Darling, these five batters hold the record for the fastest centuries in Ashes history. At the very top of the list sits a true legend who still hasn’t been matched

5 fastest hundreds in Ashes: Travis Head jumps to second spot, who’s no. 1?

Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes 2025-26 Test as they wrapped the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday (Nov 22). With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was for the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series.<h2>Australia wrap Ashes opener</h2>In what was a Test match dominated by bowlers, Travis Head stole the show on Day 2 as he scored 69-ball hundred, one of the fastest in red-ball cricket. He would eventually score 123 off 83 before getting out as Australia wrapped the Test in record time. Jake Weatherald (23) and Marnus Labuschagne (unbeaten 51) also played key roles as the Aussies chased down 205 in 28.2 overs. Brydon Carse scalped both wickets for the hosts as they maintained their 100 percent win record in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.&nbsp;&nbsp;Having bowled out Australia for 132 in their first innings, England were cruising at 65-1 and building an ominous second-innings lead, but Scott Boland and Starc left them reeling with four wickets in as many overs. A ruthless Boland accounted for Ben Duckett (28), Ollie Pope (33) and Harry Brook (0) in the space of 11 balls, then two deliveries later, Starc sent Joe Root packing for eight.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-leonard-hutton-to-don-bradman-5-batters-with-highest-individual-score-in-ashes-bob-simpson-bob-cowper-ashes-2025-26-1762276944046">From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes</a>&nbsp;When Starc removed skipper Ben Stokes (2), England were flailing at 88-6 and the veteran paceman had bagged a 10-wicket haul for only the third time after his first innings 7-58, a career-best.&nbsp;England were partially rescued by a crucial 50-run stand between Gus Atkinson (37) and Brydon Carse (20) before being rolled for 164 at tea.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-steve-smith-to-joe-root-5-active-batters-with-most-runs-in-ashes-ben-stokes-jonny-bairstow-usman-khawaja-1762275784636">From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 132 with 19 wickets falling on Day 1 of the Perth Test match. England were first bowled out for 172 when Mitchell Starc ended with seven wickets. His career best exploits had seen Australia top of their game before Ben Stokes and Co showed their will in the match, having taken a 40-run lead.&nbsp;However, that lead made no favours as Australia won the match by eight wickets and will now take the field in the second Ashes Test on Dec 4 in Brisbane. In between, England will also have a two-day warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra starting on Nov 29.

With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets.

Australia made light work of England in the opening Ashes 2025-26 Test as they wrapped the affairs on Day 2 at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday (Nov 22). With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets. The win meant it was for the first time since 1921 that an Ashes Test finished in two days as the hosts now lead 1-0 in the series. Australia wrap Ashes opener In what was a Test match dominated by bowlers, Travis Head stole the show on Day 2 as he scored 69-ball hundred, one of the fastest in red-ball cricket. He would eventually score 123 off 83 before getting out as Australia wrapped the Test in record time. Jake Weatherald (23) and Marnus Labuschagne (unbeaten 51) also played key roles as the Aussies chased down 205 in 28.2 overs. Brydon Carse scalped both wickets for the hosts as they maintained their 100 percent win record in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. Having bowled out Australia for 132 in their first innings, England were cruising at 65-1 and building an ominous second-innings lead, but Scott Boland and Starc left them reeling with four wickets in as many overs. A ruthless Boland accounted for Ben Duckett (28), Ollie Pope (33) and Harry Brook (0) in the space of 11 balls, then two deliveries later, Starc sent Joe Root packing for eight. ALSO READ | From Leonard Hutton to Don Bradman, 5 batters with highest individual score in Ashes When Starc removed skipper Ben Stokes (2), England were flailing at 88-6 and the veteran paceman had bagged a 10-wicket haul for only the third time after his first innings 7-58, a career-best. England were partially rescued by a crucial 50-run stand between Gus Atkinson (37) and Brydon Carse (20) before being rolled for 164 at tea. ALSO READ | From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 active batters with most runs in Ashes Earlier, Australia were bowled out for 132 with 19 wickets falling on Day 1 of the Perth Test match. England were first bowled out for 172 when Mitchell Starc ended with seven wickets. His career best exploits had seen Australia top of their game before Ben Stokes and Co showed their will in the match, having taken a 40-run lead. However, that lead made no favours as Australia won the match by eight wickets and will now take the field in the second Ashes Test on Dec 4 in Brisbane. In between, England will also have a two-day warm-up match against the Prime Minister's XI at the Manuka Oval in Canberra starting on Nov 29.

With bowlers dominating Day 1 of the Test with 19 wickets, it was the Mitchell Starc and Travis Head show that stole the spotlight as Australia beat England by eight wickets.

Ashes 2025-26: Starc, Head wreak havoc as Australia wrap Perth opener on Day 2, take 1-0 lead

Australia batter Travis Head, often India's nemesis in big matches, has fired a warning to Suryakumar Yadav-led ahead on the eve of &nbsp;five-match T20I series between the two sides. The Aussies are fired up after winning the three-match ODI series 2-1 but India have history on their side. The Men in Blue haven't lost a single T20I series Down Under and their recent Asia Cup 2025 title win in the same format would definitely give them confidence against the home side. For India, Jasprit Bumrah also comes back in the side after sitting out the ODI series.<h2>Head's warning to India before T20I series</h2>"You don’t want to be chewing up balls up at the start when you’ve got (Tim) David, (Marcus) Stoinis, (Josh) Inglis, (Cameron) Green and (Glenn) Maxwell behind you. It’s huge power,” he said while talking to cicket.com.au.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ab-de-villiers-hits-out-at-rohit-kohli-critics-calls-them-cockroaches-1761655822523">AB de Villiers hits out at Rohit-Kohli critics, calls them 'cockroaches'</a>"We can score anything if we can get going. So, for Mitch (Marsh) and I (the plan is to) try and go out there and take advantage of it (Powerplay fielding restrictions). It’s been a strength of ours for a couple of years, that if you look at both one-day cricket and T20 cricket we’ve put a big emphasis on the Powerplay,” added Head.<h2>India vs Australia in T20Is Down Under</h2>India have played 12 T20I matches against Australia in Australia and have won seven of them with four losses and one ending in No Result. India did lose their last T20I game in Australia against the home team but the loss came back in 2020. Before that, India had lost to Australia in November 2018 that too just by four runs.As for the series, India have never lost a T20I series in Australia. In fact, Australia have just won only one T20I against India, when they won two-match series 2-0 back in 2018/19 in India.&nbsp;

India have never lost a T20I series in Australia. In fact, Australia have just won only one T20I against India, when they won two-match series 2-0 back in 2018/19 in India. 

Australia batter Travis Head, often India's nemesis in big matches, has fired a warning to Suryakumar Yadav-led ahead on the eve of five-match T20I series between the two sides. The Aussies are fired up after winning the three-match ODI series 2-1 but India have history on their side. The Men in Blue haven't lost a single T20I series Down Under and their recent Asia Cup 2025 title win in the same format would definitely give them confidence against the home side. For India, Jasprit Bumrah also comes back in the side after sitting out the ODI series. Head's warning to India before T20I series "You don’t want to be chewing up balls up at the start when you’ve got (Tim) David, (Marcus) Stoinis, (Josh) Inglis, (Cameron) Green and (Glenn) Maxwell behind you. It’s huge power,” he said while talking to cicket.com.au. Also Read - AB de Villiers hits out at Rohit-Kohli critics, calls them 'cockroaches' "We can score anything if we can get going. So, for Mitch (Marsh) and I (the plan is to) try and go out there and take advantage of it (Powerplay fielding restrictions). It’s been a strength of ours for a couple of years, that if you look at both one-day cricket and T20 cricket we’ve put a big emphasis on the Powerplay,” added Head. India vs Australia in T20Is Down Under India have played 12 T20I matches against Australia in Australia and have won seven of them with four losses and one ending in No Result. India did lose their last T20I game in Australia against the home team but the loss came back in 2020. Before that, India had lost to Australia in November 2018 that too just by four runs. As for the series, India have never lost a T20I series in Australia. In fact, Australia have just won only one T20I against India, when they won two-match series 2-0 back in 2018/19 in India.

India have never lost a T20I series in Australia. In fact, Australia have just won only one T20I against India, when they won two-match series 2-0 back in 2018/19 in India.&nbsp;

Travis Head doesn't want batters 'chewing up balls' as Australia aim maiden T20I series win vs India at home

In a shocking revelation, Pat Cummins and Travis Head were informally offered 'life-changing' money to quit Australian cricket for the franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide. An unnamed Indian Premier League (IPL) team group reportedly offered Cummins (32) and Head (31) $10 million (AUD) each, early this year, to step aside from international cricket and play in the T20 leagues worldwide. The global cricket stars, however, rejected that offer, showing commitment to the national team. A Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) report first broke this news, shocking the cricketing fraternity.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, Australia’s top stars continue to be targeted by franchise owners and leagues, who offer them significantly higher salaries than their national contracts, which, on average, read $1.5m per year. &nbsp;Captain Cummins earns about $3 million from national commitments and captaincy duties. In the cash-rich IPL, where he leads SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Cummins' earnings are $3.7m, with Head, who also features for the same franchise, bagging about $1.2m. &nbsp;The report also states that Head, in a conversation with the outlet, confirmed this approach, while committing to representing Australia and his franchise teams in the IPL and the BBL.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Currently I’m playing for Australia, and I don’t see a timeline where I can play anything (else) really,” Head said to SMH. “The IPL takes a big chunk of things, and I want to commit as much as I can to Australia. I missed a tour in the West Indies for some rest, which I needed. &nbsp;“Ideally, I wouldn’t want to do that, but in the current situation we’re in, we need to plan the year out. If I’m missing cricket for Australia, I’m not going to fill in games in the Major League Cricket or the Hundred (in the UK),” he continued. &nbsp;Meanwhile, with the IPL franchises expanding with teams across different T20 leagues, including in South Africa’s SA20, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), America’s Major League Cricket (MLC) and the International League T20, played in the UAE, chances of more reports around players being approached are likely to increase. &nbsp;Head and Cummins endured a busy schedule last year, playing the IPL 2024, the T20 World Cup in the Americas and MLC, all back-to-back. &nbsp;On the national cricket front, Head will feature in the white-ball series against India, including three ODIs and five Tests, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-australia-captain-pat-cummins-doubtful-for-opener-could-miss-all-five-tests-report-1759897937115">Cummins is said to miss the Ashes opener</a> (starting November 21), with the chances of him getting ruled out of the series also looming.

Australia’s top stars continue to be targeted by franchise owners and leagues, who offer them significantly higher salaries than their national contracts, which, on average, read $1.5m per year.

In a shocking revelation, Pat Cummins and Travis Head were informally offered 'life-changing' money to quit Australian cricket for the franchise-based T20 leagues worldwide. An unnamed Indian Premier League (IPL) team group reportedly offered Cummins (32) and Head (31) $10 million (AUD) each, early this year, to step aside from international cricket and play in the T20 leagues worldwide. The global cricket stars, however, rejected that offer, showing commitment to the national team. A Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) report first broke this news, shocking the cricketing fraternity. Meanwhile, Australia’s top stars continue to be targeted by franchise owners and leagues, who offer them significantly higher salaries than their national contracts, which, on average, read $1.5m per year. Captain Cummins earns about $3 million from national commitments and captaincy duties. In the cash-rich IPL, where he leads SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), Cummins' earnings are $3.7m, with Head, who also features for the same franchise, bagging about $1.2m. The report also states that Head, in a conversation with the outlet, confirmed this approach, while committing to representing Australia and his franchise teams in the IPL and the BBL. “Currently I’m playing for Australia, and I don’t see a timeline where I can play anything (else) really,” Head said to SMH. “The IPL takes a big chunk of things, and I want to commit as much as I can to Australia. I missed a tour in the West Indies for some rest, which I needed. “Ideally, I wouldn’t want to do that, but in the current situation we’re in, we need to plan the year out. If I’m missing cricket for Australia, I’m not going to fill in games in the Major League Cricket or the Hundred (in the UK),” he continued. Meanwhile, with the IPL franchises expanding with teams across different T20 leagues, including in South Africa’s SA20, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), America’s Major League Cricket (MLC) and the International League T20, played in the UAE, chances of more reports around players being approached are likely to increase. Head and Cummins endured a busy schedule last year, playing the IPL 2024, the T20 World Cup in the Americas and MLC, all back-to-back. On the national cricket front, Head will feature in the white-ball series against India, including three ODIs and five Tests, and Cummins is said to miss the Ashes opener (starting November 21), with the chances of him getting ruled out of the series also looming.

Australia’s top stars continue to be targeted by franchise owners and leagues, who offer them significantly higher salaries than their national contracts, which, on average, read $1.5m per year.

SHOCKING! Cummins, Head offered ‘life-changing money’ to quit Australian cricket

From Steve Smith to Joe Root, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in ICC World Test Championship. This list also includes Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Stokes and Travis Head

From Steve Smith to Joe Root, here's a look at the top five batters with most runs in ICC World Test Championship. This list also includes Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Stokes and Travis Head

From Steve Smith to Joe Root, 5 batters with most runs in ICC World Test Championship

From Glenn Maxwell to Cameron Green, here's a look at the top five batters with fastest hundreds for Australia in One Day Internationals.

From Glenn Maxwell to Cameron Green, here's a look at the top five batters with fastest hundreds for Australia in One Day Internationals.

From Glenn Maxwell to Cameron Green, 5 batters with fastest 100s for Australia in ODIs

Australia batters scripted history on Sunday (Aug 24) as the nation achieved a rare feat in the final ODI match against South Africa in Mackay. Batting first, the trio of Travis &nbsp;Head (142), Mitchell Marsh (100) and Cameron Green (118*) scored superb hundred as they put on 431/2 in 50 overs. The batting master class saw the hosts show fight despite losing the series 2-1, having lost the opening two matches of the season.<h2>Australia script history</h2>Having opted to bat first, the triple hundreds from their top order were the first time in ODI history that Australia had achieved the feat. Before Sunday, there were only four occasions when a team had three centurions in the same ODI innings. However, Australia only joined the elite list on Sunday when Marsh, Head and Green were on fire.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-virat-kohli-here-is-a-look-at-five-indian-batters-with-most-runs-in-asia-cup-odis-t20is-sachin-tendulkar-ms-dhoni-dhawan-1754123070628">From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is)</a>&nbsp;Before Sunday, only two teams (South Africa thrice and England once) had seen three centurions in a single ODI innings. South Africa’s 429-target against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup was the last time a team had three centurions in an ODI innings. This unique achievement was also achieved for the first time on Australian soil, with the two occasions taking place in India and the other two in the Netherlands and South Africa, respectively.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-india-s-probable-playing-xi-shubman-gill-to-open-sanju-samson-at-no-3-tilak-varma-to-miss-out-1755663441686">Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out</a><h2>Three players scoring 100s for a team in an ODI innings</h2>SA (Amla, Rossouw, AB villiers) vs WI, Jo'burg, 2015SA (Quinton, Faf du Plessis, AB villiers) vs IND, Wankhede, 2015ENG (Salt, D Malan, Buttler) vs NED, Amstelveen, 2022SA (Quinton, Rassie, Markram) vs SL, Delhi 2023AUS (Head, M Marsh, C Green) vs SA, Mackay, 2025*&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-asia-cup-2025-full-squads-complete-fixtures-date-time-venue-and-live-streaming-details-check-all-details-1755585771834">Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details</a>&nbsp;Interestingly, Cameron Green's century came in 47 balls, which is the second fastest by an Australian in an ODI match after Glenn Maxwell. The all-rounder struck a 40-ball hundred against the Netherlands in the 2023 ODI World Cup and also happens to be the fastest in the coveted tournament.

Before Sunday, only two teams (South Africa thrice and England once) had seen three centurions in a single ODI innings. South Africa’s 429-target against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup was the last time a team had three centurions in an ODI innings.

Australia batters scripted history on Sunday (Aug 24) as the nation achieved a rare feat in the final ODI match against South Africa in Mackay. Batting first, the trio of Travis Head (142), Mitchell Marsh (100) and Cameron Green (118*) scored superb hundred as they put on 431/2 in 50 overs. The batting master class saw the hosts show fight despite losing the series 2-1, having lost the opening two matches of the season. Australia script history Having opted to bat first, the triple hundreds from their top order were the first time in ODI history that Australia had achieved the feat. Before Sunday, there were only four occasions when a team had three centurions in the same ODI innings. However, Australia only joined the elite list on Sunday when Marsh, Head and Green were on fire. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Virat Kohli, 5 Indian batters with most runs in Asia Cup (ODIs + T20Is) Before Sunday, only two teams (South Africa thrice and England once) had seen three centurions in a single ODI innings. South Africa’s 429-target against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup was the last time a team had three centurions in an ODI innings. This unique achievement was also achieved for the first time on Australian soil, with the two occasions taking place in India and the other two in the Netherlands and South Africa, respectively. ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025, India's Probable Playing XI: Shubman Gill to open, Sanju Samson at No.3; Tilak Varma to miss out Three players scoring 100s for a team in an ODI innings SA (Amla, Rossouw, AB villiers) vs WI, Jo'burg, 2015 SA (Quinton, Faf du Plessis, AB villiers) vs IND, Wankhede, 2015 ENG (Salt, D Malan, Buttler) vs NED, Amstelveen, 2022 SA (Quinton, Rassie, Markram) vs SL, Delhi 2023 AUS (Head, M Marsh, C Green) vs SA, Mackay, 2025* ALSO READ | Asia Cup 2025: All you need to know - full squads, complete fixtures, date, time, venue and other key details Interestingly, Cameron Green's century came in 47 balls, which is the second fastest by an Australian in an ODI match after Glenn Maxwell. The all-rounder struck a 40-ball hundred against the Netherlands in the 2023 ODI World Cup and also happens to be the fastest in the coveted tournament.

Before Sunday, only two teams (South Africa thrice and England once) had seen three centurions in a single ODI innings. South Africa’s 429-target against Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup was the last time a team had three centurions in an ODI innings.

AUS vs SA: Head, Marsh and Green batting masterclass scripts history for Australia, achieve THIS rare feat in ODIs

After clean-sweeping the West Indies across Tests and T20Is, Australia has begun preparations for the upcoming home white-ball leg against South Africa and, most importantly, for next year’s T20 World Cup in Asia. With plenty of those who won the T20 WC four years ago unavailable for selection, Australia is looking forward to striking a balance with new members, especially in the top order. With the Proteas T20Is just around the corner, the hosts have locked in World Cup-winning opening pair of captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head as openers in the shortest format for the foreseeable future.&nbsp;Having tried plenty of options earlier, including Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short, among others, the former winners feel the tried and tested pair of Marsh and Head is the best way forward in white-ball cricket.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-how-vaibhav-suryavanshi-arrival-forced-sanju-samson-to-part-ways-with-rajasthan-royals-1754750063741">IPL 2026: How Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s arrival forced Sanju Samson to part ways with Rajasthan Royals</a> &nbsp;Marsh, who opened in the recently concluded West Indies T20Is, has peaked batting at number three in the T20Is, scoring 1276 runs at over 140 in 40 outings, but never opened with Head in T20 cricket. However, in ODIs, this pair averages over 50&nbsp;and strike at over 12 runs per over from eight partnerships. &nbsp;"It'll be myself and Heady up the top for the foreseeable future," Marsh said while speaking with the reporters in Darwin on Friday (Aug 8). “Obviously, we've played a lot together, (we've) got a great relationship, so (we'll) start there.”<h3>Talks on David’s batting order &nbsp;</h3>Australia named a potent squad for the home series against South Africa, starting Sunday (Aug 10), with Glenn Maxwell and Tim David also part of the preferred XI.&nbsp; &nbsp;David, who recently made headlines for his 37-ball hundred against the Windies, is said to be promoted up the order for this series, with one eye on preparing the final XI for the 2026 T20 World Cup. &nbsp;"We've spoken about it … we saw that in the Caribbean, that he came in earlier than he would normally," Marsh said. "His skill set is made for that. &nbsp;"The more balls he faces, hopefully the more games he wins us." &nbsp;Here is Australia’s T20I squad for the South Africa series – &nbsp;Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short and Adam Zampa

With plenty of those who won the T20 WC four years ago unavailable for selection, Australia is looking forward to striking a balance with new members, especially in the top order.

After clean-sweeping the West Indies across Tests and T20Is, Australia has begun preparations for the upcoming home white-ball leg against South Africa and, most importantly, for next year’s T20 World Cup in Asia. With plenty of those who won the T20 WC four years ago unavailable for selection, Australia is looking forward to striking a balance with new members, especially in the top order. With the Proteas T20Is just around the corner, the hosts have locked in World Cup-winning opening pair of captain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head as openers in the shortest format for the foreseeable future. Having tried plenty of options earlier, including Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short, among others, the former winners feel the tried and tested pair of Marsh and Head is the best way forward in white-ball cricket. Also read | IPL 2026: How Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s arrival forced Sanju Samson to part ways with Rajasthan Royals Marsh, who opened in the recently concluded West Indies T20Is, has peaked batting at number three in the T20Is, scoring 1276 runs at over 140 in 40 outings, but never opened with Head in T20 cricket. However, in ODIs, this pair averages over 50 and strike at over 12 runs per over from eight partnerships. "It'll be myself and Heady up the top for the foreseeable future," Marsh said while speaking with the reporters in Darwin on Friday (Aug 8). “Obviously, we've played a lot together, (we've) got a great relationship, so (we'll) start there.” Talks on David’s batting order Australia named a potent squad for the home series against South Africa, starting Sunday (Aug 10), with Glenn Maxwell and Tim David also part of the preferred XI. David, who recently made headlines for his 37-ball hundred against the Windies, is said to be promoted up the order for this series, with one eye on preparing the final XI for the 2026 T20 World Cup. "We've spoken about it … we saw that in the Caribbean, that he came in earlier than he would normally," Marsh said. "His skill set is made for that. "The more balls he faces, hopefully the more games he wins us." Here is Australia’s T20I squad for the South Africa series – Mitchell Marsh (captain), Sean Abbott, Tim David, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Owen, Matthew Short and Adam Zampa

With plenty of those who won the T20 WC four years ago unavailable for selection, Australia is looking forward to striking a balance with new members, especially in the top order.

Australia lock in WC-winning opening pair for Proteas series, 2026 T20 World Cup

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Ashes: Head leads Australia’s charge in Sydney after Root’s record-breaking 160

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