The first Ashes Test at Perth didn’t even last three days, just two! Australia and England turned in a match so rapid it almost felt like a T20 masquerading as a Test. But it wasn’t any ordinary blitz; it was Travis Head’s century in Perth that smashed England’s Bazball into smithereens. The left-hander, promoted to opener after Usman Khawaja’s back issues, unleashed what fans are already calling “Travball,” a fearless assault that left the English bowlers shell-shocked. Even Head’s IPL buddy, Abhishek Sharma, couldn’t help but post on Instagram, showering praise on the Aussie star as the home crowd roared.

Travis Head in Ashes：The Pitch, the Pressure, and the Pulverising

Perth’s pitch is known for keeping batters honest, and the first innings proved it. Both sides struggled to get past 200, with Australia being bowled out for 132 and England only managing 172. At one point in England’s second innings, they looked comfortably in control, leading by 95 runs and sitting at 65/1. Then Australia shuffled the deck. With Usman Khawaja sidelined due to back issues, Travis Head in Ashes action came at the top alongside debutant Jake Weatherald. What happened next was pure Travball magic.

Making the 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙙-lines and how! 🔥

Travis Head | #PlayWithFire | #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/twvUynE1Cu

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) November 22, 2025

Head attacked from the very first over, unfazed by the lively Perth bounce or Ben Stokes’ probing spells. He raced to his half-century in just 36 balls, smashing boundaries off every loose delivery. By the time he reached 123 off 83 balls, with 16 fours and four sixes, he had single-handedly turned a tricky chase of 205 into a walk in the park. Australia finished the job in only 28.2 overs, with Marnus Labuschagne contributing a calm 51* to support Head’s onslaught. England’s bowlers, who had been menacing just hours earlier, were left scratching their heads. Stokes later admitted they were a bit “shell-shocked” by Head’s sheer audacity.

Why Head Belongs Up Front?

Why does Travis Head in Ashes form look so devastating at the top? Historically, Head has played across four batting positions in Tests, but his numbers as an opener are extraordinary. In nine innings opening, he has scored 444 runs at an average of 55.5 and a strike rate over 90—consistently turning starts into big scores. Compare that with his usual No. 5 slot, where inconsistency often sees him either blasting a ton or walking back for a duck.

100 off just 69 balls! Travis Head, what an innings! #Ashes | #MilestoneMoment | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/oiV1QEneYp

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2025

In Perth, Head’s aggressive, high-tempo approach capitalized on the new ball, giving Australia early momentum and easing pressure on less experienced partners like Weatherald. Simply put, if Australia wants a stable yet explosive opening option, Travis Head’s century in Perth shows he is the man for the job.

SRH Buddies’ Shout-Out

Of course, Head’s heroics didn’t go unnoticed by Abhishek Sharma, his Sunrisers Hyderabad teammate and frequent opening partner in the IPL. Taking to Instagram Stories after the match, Sharma wrote, “When Trav gets going, it looks effortless. A top-class ton and a proper statement.”

INSTAGRAM STORY OF ABHISHEK SHARMA FOR TRAVIS HEAD 🧡 pic.twitter.com/agsa0w6S7F

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 22, 2025

There it was, plain and simple: heartfelt praise from someone who knows Head’s game inside out. For fans of SRH, it was a treat to see their duo thriving in different arenas.

Travball vs. Bazball — A Quick Wrap

Perth’s pitch, tricky as it was, became a playground for Head’s fearless strokeplay. By reaching his ton off just 69 balls, he equaled the third-fastest hundred by an Australian in Tests and set a tone that Australia carried to a comfortable eight-wicket win.

Travis Head keeps delivering, centuries when pressure peaks🔥 pic.twitter.com/T2pXgizUjG

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) November 22, 2025

By the end of day two, it was clear: Travis Head’s century in Perth was more than just personal glory but a statement of intent. England’s initial dominance had evaporated, replaced by the sheer excitement of watching a master at work. Between tactical shuffles, crowd roars, and IPL-inspired cheers from Abhishek Sharma, the Ashes opener became an instant classic. And while the series is just beginning, one thing is certain: when Head is at the top, Australia’s early momentum is almost unstoppable.