Travis Head joins Bradman, Clarke and Smith after kissing the pitch for a special Adelaide Oval century

ADELAIDE: Travis Head's love affair with the Adelaide Oval has continued, pouring misery on England after he was dropped on 99 during day three of the third Ashes Test.

Head had two nervous moments on 99 when he was turned back by Alex Carey, trying to take a quick single off Joe Root's bowling. The second was when he was dropped at gully by Harry Brook off Jofra Archer's bowling.

The cut shot came quick and low to Brook, but it was a chance nonetheless.

AS IT HAPPENED: The Ashes third Test, day three

READ MORE: Man won $100k betting on a two-year-old to play a Test for England

READ MORE: Australia's world No.1 curling duo's Olympic dream crushed

Head then brought up the ton by smashing Root over his head for a boundary. The South Australian then kissed the pitch in a sign of his hometown's appreciation.

The left-hander now joins Sir Donald Bradman, Michael Clarke and Steve Smith for centuries in four consecutive Test matches at the same ground.

Bradman did it twice at Leeds and Melbourne, Clarke's were at Adelaide, while Smith achieved it in Melbourne.

The century now leaves no doubt that Head belongs at the top.

"I think he's locked in the opening spot," Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket.

Head's ton marked another disastrous day for England, with Ben Stokes not bowling and leaving the field at one stage. He did return when Head made his ton.

The day began with Australia requiring two wickets to bowl England out. Stokes (83) missed out on a hundred, but Jofra Archer impressed before he was gone for 51. England was bowled out for 286 after Australia's 371.

The Aussies were in trouble early when Jake Weatherald (1) was given out lbw; however, replays showed he should've reviewed the call, given it pitched outside off.

Marnus Labuschagne (13) also made it a nervy situation when he was caught. However, Usman Khawaja (40) put together a brilliant 86-run partnership before he was gone early in the third session.

Cameron Green (7) joined him to make it a mini collapse, but first-innings centurion Alex Carey steadied proceedings.

Carey finished the day 52 not out while Head is on 142. Australia is 4-271 at stumps with a 356-run lead.