Ashes: First Test hero Travis Head ready for all new challenge in Adelaide

Travis Head scored the fastest Ashes hundred in Brisbane last week but knows an all-new challenge awaits in Adelaide.

Travis Head is determined to kick on from his first Test century. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Travis Head knows one innings won’t silence all the doubters but is hopeful his brilliant first Test century “propels” the left-hander to contribute more consistent international performances as he readies himself for a new challenge in Adelaide.

Named player of the match for his swashbuckling 152, off just 148 balls, in the opening Ashes clash in Brisbane, Head returns home to Adelaide Oval eyeing off a new and old foe against England.

The tourists are expected to include veteran seamer Jimmy Anderson, who Head has never faced at Test level, and Stuart Broad who “got the upper hand” over the Australian left-hand batters in the 2019 Ashes in England.

Head was dismissed by Broad three times in that series but will confront the English attack with a new level of confidence this time around after what could become a career-defining innings at the Gabba.

“Broad was tough in the Ashes, he was fantastic against our lefties, he probably got the upper hand,” Head said on Tuesday.

“He’ll be confident but we’ve come off a fantastic Test match and every guy that is batting in this team is in form.”

Travis Head’s 152 at the Gabba could be a career-defining innings. Picture: Dan Peled / AFP

Head is arguably the most in-form having registered two Sheffield Shield hundreds and a one-day double-hundred going into the opening Test match.

The South Australian captain has more than 850 runs in all cricket this summer but is striving for the consistency that has eluded him at Test level.

Despite averaging over 43, with three centuries for Australia, Head has been dropped twice from the Test team.

An off-season loaded with hard work has shown early rewards, but he knows he needs to keep producing and is adamant he can.

“It’s one hit,” Head said of his Brisbane brilliance.

“I think there’s a lot of people would still be doubting my ability or doubting what I can bring. I understand that, I have great perspective on that.

Head has worked hard on his consistency. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“It is one inning but hopefully it’s one innings that can kickstart a nice little journey for me, a nice little couple of months in the Ashes here. Hopefully, it can propel me and show people I have got the talent.

“As a player I want to be as consistent as I possible can and I want to be someone who can walk out and contribute over the next four Test matches.

“I’ve worked extremely hard to be as consistent as I can for the team, that’s my only priority at the moment, to do what’s best for the Australian cricket team.”

Head also said he was excited at the opportunity to play with fellow South Australian Alex Carey in Adelaide, with their families allowed in the stands after they weren’t allowed to travel to Brisbane.

Originally published as Ashes: First Test hero Travis Head ready for all new challenge in Adelaide