FORMER Worcestershire batsman Travis Head hit a whirlwind century as Australia took control of the first Ashes test.
Responding to England's 147 all out at the Gabba, Australia racked up an imposing 343-7 in response on day two.
Head, who played for Worcestershire in all formats in 2018, came in at 189-3 and reached three figures from just 85 balls, making it the third fastest ton ever in an Ashes test.
The former Rapids batsman continued his form on day three before eventually being bowled by Mark Wood, finishing on 152 as the hosts racked up 425.
England began their second innings with a mammoth task ahead, and were able to arrive at lunch on 23 without loss.
The opening stint didn’t come without drama as under-pressure opener Rory Burns was once again out for nought, given lbw, before a review overturned the decision on height.
However Burns survived just six balls after the interval, captain Pat Cummins claiming another wicket as the England opening batsman finished the test with just 13 runs.
Fellow opener Haseeb Hameed showed more resolve however he was eventually dismissed for 27.
After that it was the Joe Root and Dawid Malan show as the skipper came out at 61 for two.
By the time tea arrived Malan was on 34, whilst Root was on 26, putting him level with Michael Vaughan’s record for most Test runs in a calendar year, 1,481.
He quickly smashed that record after the break with a square punch off Nathan Lyon.
Root posted the visitor’s first half-century of the series, dropping to one knee as he whipped Lyon through midwicket for four, getting there in 80 balls.
Malan was not far behind, reaching 50 off 121 deliveries.
After 50 overs England had already surpassed their first innings total and they would go on to close the day on 220 for two, still 58 runs behind.
Despite the promising start by England, former Worcestershire man, Head, remains confident in the Baggy Greens.
He said: “The key tomorrow is getting a wicket in the first 10 overs and then getting the new ball.
“Two high-quality players (Root and Malan), we’ve created some opportunities, but no surprise in how they came out and applied themselves.
“We hold a great advantage, 60 runs and the new ball around the corner. The new ball tomorrow is going to be massive.”
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