MELBOURNE (REUTERS) – Travis Head smashed a T20-style century to place Australia firmly in command of the primary Ashes take a look at on Thursday (Dec 9) as England had been hit by an harm disaster throughout a depressing day two within the discipline on the Gabba.
David Warner fell six runs wanting a fortuitous century however Head saved the blowtorch on with a bellicose, unbeaten 112 from 96 balls that pushed Australia to a commanding 196-run lead over England’s paltry first innings whole of 147.
Head’s associate, Mitchell Starc, was 10 not out on the shut.
On a day of sapping warmth and humidity, the issues piled up for Joe Root’s staff, with talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes all however scratched from the assault by an obvious knee pressure from the morning.
Paceman Ollie Robinson was additionally in all kinds of trouble and got here off the bottom in clear discomfort after barely getting by means of certainly one of his overs after tea.
That left an exhausted Mark Wooden and Chris Woakes to prop up England’s assault however spinner Jack Leach and Root had been pounded to all corners of the bottom by Head.
Warner had earlier marched to the brink of a century after being reprieved thrice within the discipline however he was lastly out for 94 straight after tea, undone by a slower ball from Robinson that induced a unfastened scoop to Stokes.
Robinson was on a hat-trick after bowling Cameron Inexperienced subsequent ball when the all-rounder did not play a shot.
But it surely was solely a short rally as Alex Carey and Head steadied Australia with a 41-run partnership.
Head had been underneath strain to maintain his spot within the center order, with Usman Khawaja prepared to fit in.
“England did bowl properly however what an entertaining innings there by Travis Head,” mentioned Warner.
“It was entertaining cricket and nice to observe, there’s smiles on our faces.
“He was in a decent battle there with Ussy (Khawaja) and to return on the market and play like he did. That is the Travis we all know.”