‘Going to be all-time’: Travis Head sends huge ‘TravBall’ Ashes warning to England

Travis Head’s blistering century in the WTC Final has sent a huge Ashes warning, and his nickname should have the Poms worried.

Watch out England, Travis Head is on fire and ready to take on BazBall in the Ashes.

Head scored a blistering century on the opening day of the World Test Championship Final against India to put Australia in the box seat to claim Test cricket’s ultimate prize.

Coming in at 3/76, Australia’s first innings was in the balance before Head blew the game open, racing to his maiden ton in England off just 106 balls.

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Head finished on 146 not out off just 156 balls, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 95 from 227 balls as Australia reached 3/327 at stumps.

Head is in a serious purple patch right now and could well prove the X-factor Australia needs to win the Ashes in England for the first time since 2001.

Travis Head is in a serious purple patch of form. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, England have embraced an attacking style of play nicknamed ‘BazBall’ after their coach.

It should make for an entertaining series but after seeing Head’s rapid fire century, it might be a case of be careful what you wish for, England.

If BazBall, TravBall and 2019 Steve Smith all get going in the next two months, this is going to be an all-time Ashes series.

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) June 7, 2023

I'm pretty BAZBALL is just Travis head batting.

Australia are world test champions, it's all over folks. #worldxhampions#aussieaussieaussie

— NRL and SuperCoach university (@Josh_Tabke) June 7, 2023

Travis Head, emphatic.

A brilliant century from a batter who has learned to love the way he plays and trust his instincts.

Since the start of the 2021 Ashes, he has now scored 1,308 runs at an average of 56.85, SR of 81.59 with four 💯s. #WTC23

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) June 7, 2023

Head now has six Test centuries and is increasingly looking more comfortable playing away from home, making batting on a green pitch look like a walk in the park.

His ability to turn a match on its head has been likened to that of former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, and even Stokes, who almost singehandedly kept England in the 2019 Ashes.

Head’s form now makes the shock decision to drop him for the first Test in India earlier this year look even more foolish.

Never, ever drop this man again.

Superb innings Trav, magnificent 💯 https://t.co/9ehNhzBG9p

— Ryan Fitzgerald (@FitzySA) June 7, 2023

The 29-year-old was dropped by Justin Langer for the last game of the 2019 Ashes in England, but he’s now become a pivotal part of Australia’s side.

But Head has now got runs on the board against England too.

He was the player of the series in the 2021-22 Ashes, scoring a counterattacking century at the Gabba that cemented his spot in the side.

And he may not have reached triple figures, but his 92 against South Africa against a green Gabba pitch last summer showed he can bat on the spiciest of pitches.

Head’s style of play has been nicknamed ‘TravBall’, as Australia’s answer to England’s BazBall.

Asked about the TravBall moniker, Head laughed and told news.com.au earlier this year: “It’s quite funny. Because it’s coming so natural, people’s opinions and comparisons are humbling.

TravBall should have England worried. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Travis Head and Steve Smith have the Aussies on top in the WTC Final. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

“It’s funny how it pans out, it’s funny how the game works. Twelve months I was potentially not in the team and now it’s all about strike rates and how hard I’m going.

“I’m trying not to bat an eyelid, just seeing how it comes. It’s worked out nicely.

Head said he’s not trying to play aggressively, it’s just his natural game.

“I haven’t chased anything,” he said.

“I’m not trying to be as aggressive as I am. It’s just how I see it. I haven’t felt like I’m trying to push the envelope or need to hold back.

“I’d like to continue my positive approach against India and in England. I think if I’m positive I get myself in better positions and my defence is better. Moving the scoreboard and moving the game, runs can be quite valuable over there.”

So watch out England. We see your BazBall, and we raise you TravBall.