The decision to move up the order will go down as one of the Ashes’ big tactical moves.
Needing to replace Khawaja, as they did in the first innings, Australia realized the best plan on the difficult Perth pitch was to attack. Left-handed Head, who opened in the past, was moved from number five with license to play his natural game.
The outcome was sensational and, even at this early stage, could define the series. Head came up to bowl for England and brought in debutant Jake Weatherald.
Head stepped back and passed the ball to the opposite side. One of his four sixes, a cut over third man off Carse, was outrageous. England lost their line and somehow were unable to locate the stumps or Head’s body.
Weatherald, who canceled out being caught behind Jofra Archer for seven, missed Carse to end an opening stand of 75, but that did not stop Australia’s momentum.
Marnus Labuschagne got ahead of Head, who was already unstoppable. He hit Archer baseball style over his head for another maximum.
The only fastest Ashes century, 57 balls, was made by Adam Gilchrist in this town, across the Swan River in Waca, 19 years ago. Given the context, this innings could well have surpassed it in terms of quality and the Perth Stadium rightly rose to cheer Australia’s magnificent match-winner.
When Head skied Carse towards the leg side, only 13 runs were needed. He left to a chilling ovation, a lasting image of one of the most incredible Ashes Tests.
