Travis Head Apologises To 60,000 Fans After Ending Ashes Test In Just Two Days
Australia Seal Win in Perth With Head’s Blazing 123
Australia’s star batter Travis Head apologised to nearly 60,000 cricket fans who had bought Day 3 tickets for the first Ashes Test in Perth. The match finished in just two dramatic days after Head’s explosive 123 powered Australia to an eight-wicket victory over England.
Australia chased down the target of 205 in only 28.2 overs, wrapping up a Test filled with quick momentum swings, fierce fast bowling, and one match-defining innings from Head.
“I Almost Feel Sorry for the Fans,” Says Head
Speaking after the win, Head admitted he felt bad for those who won’t get to watch Day 3.
“I almost feel sorry for the 60,000 people who bought tickets for tomorrow. It’s been unbelievable. The emotions are pretty high… To be able to contribute the way I did, it feels pretty special.”
Surprise Promotion to Opener:
Head, who was unexpectedly promoted to open in the chase, said the suggestion came up right before the innings began.
“About two years ago!” he joked. “Nah, honestly, I was happy to do it. It doesn’t bother me too much. We’d spoken about it — we know what England’s short-ball plans look like. The coaching staff and Patty (Cummins) had a few ideas, and this was one of them.”
He added that the final decision was taken collectively by the coaching staff, captain, and senior players.
“Bit of everyone — coach, captain, senior guys. A few options were thrown around. I was keen, and there was support for it. Could’ve easily been Marnus out there too.”
A Masterstroke: Fastest Fourth-Innings Century in Tests
The move paid off spectacularly. Head smashed a 69-ball century, the fastest ever in the fourth innings of a Test match.
He admitted he knew England would target him with short balls.
“That’s a seriously good attack and we knew the short stuff was coming. My plan was simple: use the breeze, hit with it when I could, give myself room, pull when it was there.”
Despite dominating the chase, Head said he wasn’t thinking about getting a hundred.
“Not a chance. No way. Yesterday looked seriously tough out there. I’ve had a couple of 90s on this ground… so getting the hundred here means a lot.”
Crowd Reaction Left Him Overwhelmed:
When the crowd rose to applaud his century, Head confessed he didn’t quite know how to take it all in.
“I’m not great at taking it in. When I’m done, I just want to get off the field fast. Might’ve missed some claps! But that reception… I’m very lucky. And even luckier that we won.”
A Stunning Start to the Ashes:
With the match ending before Day 3 could even begin, the Ashes series has kicked off in spectacular fashion. Head believes the quick finish has only raised expectations for the next Test.
“It’s always nice to start a series well… and with the way this game has gone, Brisbane is shaping up to be something else.”
