Australian batsman Travis Head has etched his name into cricketing folklore, matching a record held by the legendary Sir Don Bradman. On the third day of the Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, December 19, 2025, Head scored an unbeaten 142, marking his fourth consecutive Test century at the iconic venue.
A Historic Feat in Adelaide
With this magnificent knock, his 11th Test hundred overall, Head became only the fifth batsman ever to score four straight Test centuries at the same Australian ground. He joins an elite club featuring Don Bradman (at the MCG, 1928-1932), England's Wally Hammond (SCG, 1928-1936), former Australian captain Michael Clarke (Adelaide, 2012-2014), and former England skipper Joe Root (Adelaide, 2014-2017). Former Australian cricketer Mark Waugh was quick to lavish praise on the left-hander for this remarkable achievement.
"There's nothing like a hometown hero in any sport, when the local boy comes good," Waugh told Fox Cricket. "The way he plays the game is so entertaining as well. You don't want to miss anything that he does when he's out in the middle."
Waugh on Head's Relatable Appeal
Waugh drew parallels between Head and past local favourites like Merv Hughes in Melbourne and David Hookes in South Australia. He highlighted how Head's style and persona have captured the public's imagination. "He is a bit like a Merv Hughes was in Melbourne or a David Hookes in South Australia. Travis has captured the imagination just with the way he plays," Waugh said.
He added a touch of humour, noting Head's relatable quality: "And a lot of people can sort of relate to it. I mean, he's not your pristine athlete, is he? He's got the big moustache. He's fit for cricket, but he's not going to … be a 200-metre athlete in the Olympics, so I think people relate to him."
The Journey to a Bradman-Esque Record
Head's love affair with the Adelaide Oval began in 2022 with a blistering 175 against the West Indies. He followed it up with 122 against the same opposition in January 2024. Last December, he notched up 140 runs against India during a day-night Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The century on Friday solidified his status as a modern-day great at the ground.
Interestingly, Head, who has a Test average of 43.1, has recently transitioned to the opener's role after Usman Khawaja suffered back spasms during the Perth Test. Mark Waugh believes this move is paying rich dividends. "He is becoming a world-class opener," Waugh stated, acknowledging Head's adaptability against good bowling and defensive fields set by England.
Former Australian pace legend Brett Lee had also foreseen the historic moment, terming the potential fourth hundred as 'Bradman territory' in commentary for Kayo Sports. Lee praised Head's ability to shift gears, his solid defence, and his punishing treatment of wide deliveries.
At stumps on day three, Travis Head remained not out on 142, having guided Australia to a strong position. His innings, a blend of patience and controlled aggression, not only placed his team in a commanding spot in the Ashes but also secured his place among the pantheon of batting greats at the Adelaide Oval.
