The Ashes: Travis Head hits superb century as Australia counter-attack after England’s dream start | Cricket News

Australia reached 241-6 at stumps on day one of the day-night Ashes Test in Hobart; England had reduced the home side to 12-3 before Travis Head led the fightback with his fourth Test century; Cameron Green hits a half-century while Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson take two wickets apiece

Travis Head scored his second Test hundred on day one in Hobart

Travis Head led the way with a superb counter-attacking century as Australia recovered from 12-3 on a gripping first day of the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart.

England had made a near-perfect start to the match after opting to bowl first with Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad dismantling the hosts’ top-order with the new pink ball as David Warner and Steve Smith both fell without scoring.

However, the home side rallied impressively with Marnus Labuschagne (44) and Head (101) beginning the fightback before the dinner break and Cameron Green (74) then joining the latter to continue charge in the middle session.

Head was dismissed after bringing up his fourth Test hundred and Green departed after tea with Australia having progressed to 241-6 when rain brought an enthralling day’s play to a premature close.

More to follow…

What’s next?

England Women begin their bid to regain the Ashes on January 20 with the first of three T20 internationals. The white-ball matches are followed by a standalone Test match and then three one-day internationals.

England last won the Ashes in 2014, with holders Australia’s triumphs in England in 2015 and 2019 sandwiching a drawn series in Australia in 2017.