• Travis Head scored a sensational 142 off 103 balls, laying the foundation for a strong total for Australia.

  • Australia posed a mammoth total of 431/2 against South Africa in the 3rd ODI.

AUS vs SA: Fans erupt as Travis Head lights up Great Barrier Reef Arena with a blistering century in the 3rd ODI
Travis Head century (Image Source: X)

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Fighting to avoid a humiliating clean sweep on home soil, Australia found a much-needed hero in Travis Head in the third ODI at the Great Barrier Reef Arena. The Australian opener made a resounding return to form, blasting a blistering century to anchor the hosts’ innings and put them in a commanding position to salvage some pride in the series.

Travis Head smashes a blistering century in third ODI against South Africa

Emerging from a string of lean performances, Head came out with an aggressive intent that paid immediate dividends. He showed no signs of caution, taking on every South African bowler and putting them on the back foot from the outset. This fearless approach allowed him to dictate terms, scoring runs at a blistering pace. His fantastic century, his seventh in ODIs, was a testament to his attacking mindset, a truly top-notch knock that came in just 80 balls. He raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd and was warmly congratulated by his teammate, Mitchell Marsh.

Head’s innings eventually came to a close on 142 runs from 103 balls. Looking to continue his dominance, he advanced down the pitch to a tossed-up delivery from spinner Keshav Maharaj. However, he misjudged the shot, sending a miscue high into the air towards long-off. Dewald Brevis, with his eyes on the ball, took a safe catch in the deep to end the magnificent innings. As he walked off the field, the crowd rose to its feet, giving him a deserved standing ovation in recognition of his match-defining performance.

Also READ: AUS vs SA: Here’s why Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger and Matthew Breetzke are not playing in the 3rd ODI

Here’s how fans reacted:

 

Australia’s record-breaking batting carnage against South Africa

In a stunning display of power-hitting, the Australian innings at Mackay was nothing short of a batting masterclass. After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Australian openers Travis Head and captain Mitchell Marsh launched a relentless assault on the South African bowlers. The duo put on a massive 250-run partnership, with both players scoring dominant centuries. Head was the more aggressive of the two, blasting 142 runs off just 103 balls, a knock that included 17 boundaries and 5 sixes. Marsh, a more subdued but equally effective partner, scored a brilliant 100 off 106 balls. Their incredible stand set the platform for a late-innings surge led by Cameron Green, who smashed the second-fastest century in Australian ODI history, reaching his ton off a mere 47 balls. Green, along with a blistering cameo from Alex Carey, helped Australia post a mammoth total of 431 for 2, a score that stands among the highest in ODI history. The South African bowlers were left without answers, with the spinners in particular being ineffective and conceding runs at a high economy rate.

Also READ: Indian cricket fraternity hails Cheteshwar Pujara after his retirement from international cricket

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About the Author:
VARUN VERMA
Varun Verma is a dedicated cricket enthusiast with a flair for storytelling and in-depth analysis. Combining a deep knowledge of the sport with a talent for engaging content creation, he brings the drama and thrill of the game to life for fans around the world. Drawing inspiration from the grit and passion of players like Ben Stokes, Varun aspires to one day experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Test match at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. He can be reached at varun.verma@crickettimes.com and followed on LinkedIn and X.