Australia’s ruthless batsmen caused further misery at England’s SCG on Tuesday, with Travis Head and Steve Smith producing scintillating centuries to move the home team closer to a 4-1 Ashes series win.
Australia batted throughout the day to reach 7-518 at stumps, opening up a 134-run lead that could set the stage for a potential innings win given England’s underwhelming batting for much of the series.
Head’s 163 was the seventh score of 150 or more in his Test career – his highest remains the 175 he made against the West Indies in 2022 – while Smith (129 not out) brought up his fifth century at the SCG and his first since Australia’s clash with South Africa in January 2023.
Travis Head celebrates his century.Credit: Getty Images
Things turned comical in the final half-hour when Smith, watching a Matthew Potts bouncer sail overhead, gestured widely at the referee. It was duly called.
Earlier on Tuesday, Usman Khawaja perished for 17 in what could be his final Test innings if Australia go past 550 and bat only once.
After a warm reception when he walked out to bat – shortly after Head was trapped lbw by part-timer Jacob Bethell, taking his series to 600 runs – Khawaja topped the score amid hopes of a fairytale end to a stellar career.
Steve Smith reaches his hundred.Credit: Getty Images
It was not to be as Khawaja reviewed an lbw decision from Brydon Cars to the bone, with Australia scorching a review that felt justified given the significance of the moment for the 89-Test supporter, who announced his retirement before the match.
At 5-339 and 45 runs down, England might have dared to dream of parity on the first innings score, but Smith had other ideas. Stressing that this SCG Test would not be his last, he batted accordingly as he smashed eight boundaries through point and cover in a masterclass in control.
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