Travis Head continued his dazzling counterattack at the top of the order, raising a brilliant half-century under pressure at Perth Stadium. Sent in to open because Usman Khawaja was barred from beginning the innings for the second time in the Test, Head has repaid the call with yet another fearless knock.
Head reached his fifty off 36 balls with a clipped single off Mark Wood, prompting the Perth crowd to rise in applause. He acknowledged them with a calm bat raise—fully aware of the magnitude of this innings as Australia chase 205 for victory.
With conditions testing and England striking early through Brydon Carse, Head’s fluency and intent have kept Australia ahead of the chase. His stroke-making—three fours and three sixes so far—has shifted the momentum firmly towards the hosts as they now need 129 more runs to win.
A bold promotion, a high-stakes chase, and Travis Head delivering when it matters—this innings might end up defining Day 2.