Head erases form slump fears with record-setting century
Travis Head erased any fears over a possible form slump after hitting the fastest ton by an Australian against Zimbabwe in the second ODI.
Head’s ton came off 75 balls before he eventually fell for 112 off the bowling of spinner Wesley Madhevere, skying a delivery to sub fielder Ryan Burl at cover.
Travis Head celebrates his ton. Fox Cricket
The left-hander came into this series with scores of 22, 17 and 22 in the Tests against Bangladesh and didn’t go past 29 in his three digs against India last year.
In the first ODI against Zimbabwe, he chopped on after making only four.
“This is becoming quite a common dismissal for Travis Head,” Jason Gillespie said on the Fox Cricket broadcast.
But the fan-favourite delivered a reminder of his ability in Harare on Friday with an innings that included 12 fours and three sixes.
The centurion combined with Mitch Marsh for a 130-run opening stand after Zimbabwe had won the toss and elected to field first.
Marsh lost his off-stump in the 19th over off Wellington Masakadza’s bowling after making 53 before Cooper Connolly combined with Head for a 60-run partnership.
Head’s century made it eight for him in ODIs, and he seemed to debut a new celebration by rubbing his hands together and hitting his chest before laughing. He then did a bow and arrow too.
His dismissal came at 2-190 and in the 34th over, Josh Inglis (21) was next to go, bunting a shot back to Masakadza to hand him a second wicket.
Inglis’ groan was heard through the stump microphone as he lamented an incredibly soft dismissal.
Alex Carey (20) and Connolly (78) fell after Inglis as Australia surged above 300, making a regrettable decision at the toss by Zimbabwe.
The Aussies finished 6-356 with Ollie Peake scoring 41 not out off 18 balls.
Australia went on to win the match by 84 runs with Zimbabwe bowled out for 272.
Josh Hazlewood made his return with 2-48, however his fellow opening paceman Billy Stanlake only bowled 4.2 overs before he left the field with a side strain injury.
