The century marked Head’s 12th in Test cricket and his third of the ongoing Ashes series, further underscoring his dominance against the England bowling attack. Significantly, it was also his maiden Test hundred at the SCG, adding another special chapter to an already excellent series for the left-hander.
The third Ashes ton takes Travis Head past the 600-run mark
With this innings, Head surpassed the 600-run mark in the current 2025-2026 Ashes series, making it one of the most productive campaigns of his Test career. He previously scored centuries in the first and third Tests, and his consistency in all conditions has been a major factor in Australia’s strong position throughout the series.
Head’s ability to counter both pace and spin was again on display as he turned the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries. His intention ensured that the English bowlers were kept under constant pressure even as the pitch began to offer variable bounce.
Missed opportunity will cost England dearly
England were given a brief opening when Head was on 121, but the chance slipped through their fingers. Will Jacks dropped a simple catch on the boundary off Brydon Carse’s bowling, allowing the Australian batsman to continue his attack.
Travis Head looked lost, but Will Jacks gave him life with this borderline fall. #Ash pic.twitter.com/iriHX0BzS7
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2026
The missed catch proved costly as Head took advantage of the delay by accelerating his scoring and further tilting the match in Australia’s favour. His confidence grew as he began manipulating the pitch and taking calculated risks against England’s attack.
Head receives a standing ovation from the Sydney audience
Head’s innings finally came to an end on 163, a knock that spanned 166 balls and was laced with authority. While attempting a sweep shot against Jacob Bethell, Head was knocked onto the pads and ruled LBW.
As he walked back to the pavilion, the Sydney audience stood to applaud a performance that combined aggression, resilience and flair. The standing ovation reflected not only appreciation for the innings, but also recognition of Head’s impact throughout the series.
Also READ: Ricky Ponting selects Australia’s 16-man squad for Ashes 2027; chooses two uncapped players
Here are the reactions from fans:
600 runs for Travis Head in this Ashes series. 🌟
9 innings, 600 runs, 170 HS, 66.66 avg, 3 hundreds. pic.twitter.com/hTb994Rbb8
— Danish (@BhttDNSH100) January 6, 2026
🚨 600 RUNS FOR TRAVIS HEAD IN AS 2026 🚨#as25
⚡️123 runs in the 1st test.
⚡️170 runs in the 3rd Test.
⚡️163 runs in the 5th test.🔥ONE OF THE GREATEST ASHES PERFORMANCES EVER – TRAVIS HEAD🥶…!!! 🫡 pic.twitter.com/mhm2Dvp5LM
— (1330) 20034000. January 6, 2026
– 123 runs in the 1st Test✅
– 170 runs in the 3rd Test✅
– 163 runs in the 5th Test✅WHAT A PLAYER – TRAVIS HEAD❤🔥#as25 #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/D7GP5aXVnX
– usman (@Cricbyusman) January 6, 2026
FIRST PLAYER TO COMPLETE 2025-26 IN THIS AS:
100 runs – Travis Head.
200 runs – Travis Head.
300 runs – Travis Head.
400 runs – Travis Head (alone).
500 runs – Travis Head (alone).
600 runs – Travis Head (alone).– TRAVIS HEAD’S DOMINATION. 🥶🔥 pic.twitter.com/8740DWWZrK
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) January 6, 2026
Travis Head is the 4th player in the 21st century to score 600 runs in a single Ashes series. Smith (twice), Cook and Vaughan did it for him.
— Vijay Anaparthi (@VijayCricketFan) January 6, 2026
Travis Head’s epic 163 is the fastest Test 150 of all time at the SCG.
His final strike rate of 98.19 surpasses the old record of Clem Hill, who hit 190 off 200 rocks against South Africa in 1910! @FoxCricket #Ash
— Will Faulkner (@WillFaulknerFOX) January 6, 2026
TRAVIS HEAD, WHAT A PLAYER. 👏
163 (166) with 24 fours and 1 six in 5th Ashes Test against England at SCG, beast Head.đź’€ pic.twitter.com/X4inNWj4I7
— Danish (@BhttDNSH100) January 6, 2026
Travis Head received a standing ovation from the SCG crowd after hitting 163 off 166 with a strike rate of 98 in the final match of the Ashes pic.twitter.com/EuvJtA4CIm
— Achyut Mishra (@achyutmis22) January 6, 2026
Beautiful knock. Take a Bow Travis Head 163(166)
4s ➡️ 24
6s ➡️ 1
SR ➡️ 98.2#as25 #Ash— JaayShaan (VaidhyaJayaShankar) (@JaayShaan) January 6, 2026
Most 150+ scores in tests without ever scoring more than 175
7 – TRAVIS HEAD
6 – Dilip Vengsarkar
4 – Murali Vijay
3 – 7 players#AUSvENG
— Swamp (@sirswampthing) January 6, 2026
Travis Head has his first Test century at the SCG and his third of the series!#Ash | #PlayoftheDay | @nrverzekering pic.twitter.com/U3jcL2cRde
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2026
Also WATCH: Michael Neser takes a breathtaking catch to end Joe Root’s brilliant knock of 160 | Ashes 2025-26, Sydney Test
#Fans #berserk #Travis #decimates #England #Day #Sydney #Test


