Australia’s decision to send Travis Head out to open the batting turned out to be a brilliant move. The left-hander completely changed the pace of the match with a stunning century, which is now the second-fastest hundred in Ashes history. His fearless counterattack broke England’s plans and shifted the momentum of the first Test heavily in Australia’s favour.
Why Head Was Sent to Open
This wasn’t a planned reshuffle but a move forced by circumstances. Regular opener Usman Khawaja was unable to bat after suffering a back spasm earlier in the Test. With Khawaja out, Australia had to think on their feet.
Marnus Labuschagne was pushed up to open in the first innings, but that experiment didn’t work. He struggled to 9 off 41 balls before losing his wicket. With the Perth pitch offering pace, bounce and variable movement, Australia needed someone who could take the game on from the start. Head was the perfect fit for that role.
A Blazing Century that Entered the Record Books
Head made the most of the opportunity, smashing his way to the second-fastest century in Ashes history. The only player with a quicker hundred remains Adam Gilchrist, who scored a 57-ball ton at the same venue during the 2006–07 Ashes.
Head’s innings also made him the first Australian opener to score an Ashes century since David Warner’s hundred at Melbourne in 2017, showing just how impressive his performance was.
Social Media Reactions: Praise and Shock
Meanwhile, fans on social media went berserk following the powerful knock of Travis Head, check out how they reacted:
Check out the reactions of fans:
Travis Head, take a bow!
One of the greatest innings in Ashes history ✨ pic.twitter.com/4HrLpgF6hd
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 22, 2025
Travis Head leads the Aussie charge in the chase with his 10th Test century in Perth 💯#WTC27 #AUSvENG 📝: https://t.co/eE4SSOzEUc pic.twitter.com/TrKo5xzStt
— ICC (@ICC) November 22, 2025
One thing I’ve figured out is that Travis Head always peaks when it actually matters. He delivered in the 2023 WTC Final,2023 CWC SF and Final, 2024 BGT, 2024 T20 WC, CT , But in normal, low-stakes series, he isn’t as locked in , like the recent one against India. pic.twitter.com/9rwo0bK4jQ
— Srijan (@LegendDhonii) November 22, 2025
TRAVIS HEAD 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽#Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/OzdLGl2stE
— DK (@DineshKarthik) November 22, 2025
Travis Head’s the name 🫡#PlayWithFire | #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/jgLJR6CbvL
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) November 22, 2025
Bazball's arrogance vs Travis Head #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/8ZqG9tcCLZ
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 22, 2025
Tests ✅
ODIs ✅
T20Is ✅ONE MAN FOR AGES IN AUSTRALIAN CRICKET, TRAVIS HEAD 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BKrrcowTOi
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 22, 2025
Read More
HUNDRED IN A SINGLE SESSION FOR TRAVIS HEAD IN ASHES 🥶 pic.twitter.com/2XPnnQiVWm
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 22, 2025
Bros who have seen the best of Travis Head in the 3rd week of November pic.twitter.com/Gayr4rECHO
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 22, 2025
Travis Head single handedly destroyed Bazball and showed them what real Bazball looks like in tough conditions. pic.twitter.com/RUiqJrfy9i
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 22, 2025
– No selfless player drama
– No PR drama
– No minnows bashing
– Never cried about workload
– Never satisfied with quick 40s
– always gives his 200%
– Never choked in icc tournamentsTravis head is the greatest opener in this generation in all formats. pic.twitter.com/WANXHpIBtY
— Vivek (@Hailkohli18) November 22, 2025
Travis Head said, “it was Steven Smith’s decision to send me to open in this run chase. I was keen to go out there”. pic.twitter.com/vQqWjRmrwI
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 22, 2025
Travis Head can tear apart any bowling attack irrespective of the situation or format. Easily the most destructive batter in all three formats in world cricket. Insane guy. pic.twitter.com/UXRwWBpgaZ
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) November 22, 2025
Fastest Centuries in Ashes History
From a last-minute promotion to one of the standout moments of the Ashes, Head may have just put his name into Australia’s long-term opening plans.
| Player | Team | Balls | Against | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 57 | England | Perth (WACA) | 2006 |
| Travis Head | Australia | 69 | England | Perth (Optus) | 2025 |
| Gilbert Jessop | England | 76 | Australia | The Oval | 1982 |
| Joe Darling | Australia | 85 | England | Sydney | 1898 |
| Travis Head | Australia | 85 | England | Brisbane | 2021 |
| Ian Botham | England | 86 | Australia | Manchester | 1981 |
| Ian Botham | England | 87 | Australia | Leeds | 1981 |
| Ray Lindwall | Australia | 88 | England | Melbourne | 1947 |
| Zak Crawley | England | 93 | Australia | Manchester | 2023 |
| Adam Gilchrist | Australia | 94 | England | Sydney | 2003 |
| Victor Trumper | Australia | 95 | England | Manchester | 1902 |
| Victor Trumper | Australia | 100 | England | Sydney | 1903 |
More Records and Milestones Connected to Head’s Knock
During his stay at the crease so far, Head has smashed 12 fours and 4 sixes for the Steve Smith-led side.
Head, who replaced Usman Khawaja as an opener for the hosts at Optus Stadium, raced to his half-century in just 36 balls.
The record for the fastest Ashes century still belongs to Adam Gilchrist, who needed only 57 deliveries to get to his ton in the second innings of the December 2006 Ashes Test at the WACA.
In world Test cricket, the fastest hundred ever was scored by Brendon McCullum, who brought up his 100 off just 54 balls in Christchurch in 2016, during his final Test.
The fastest Test century against England was scored by West Indies legend Viv Richards, who took just 56 balls to reach the milestone in the April 1986 Test at St John’s.
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