Run-machine Head powers Australia with third Ashes ton

Travis Head's extraordinary Ashes run spree continued with his third century of the series as the left-hander dominated England in the fifth and final Test at Sydney today.

Head was 162 not out at lunch on day three before finally being dismissed for 163 shortly after the interval, having once again ripped the heart out of England's bowling attack. His innings powered Australia towards England's first-innings 384, with the hosts racing to 281-3 by the break.

The 32-year-old reached his hundred from just 105 balls, adding to his match-winning 123 in Perth and commanding 170 in Adelaide to underline a stunning Ashes campaign. It was his 12th Test century and first at the Sydney Cricket Ground, further cementing his reputation as one of the game's most versatile and destructive batters.

Head, who resumed on 91 overnight, struck freely from the outset, clipping Ben Stokes through midwicket early before raising his century with his 17th boundary, a crisp drive through the covers off Josh Tongue. After lunch, his innings ended on 163, bringing the curtain down on another dominant display.

Originally promoted to opener due to Usman Khawaja's back injury in the Perth Test, Head has since made the role his own. His aggressive approach at the top of the order has been a defining feature of the series.

With Australia already retaining the Ashes at 3-1, Head's third hundred of the series once again left England scrambling, as the hosts closed in on first-innings parity.