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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Geoff Lemon at Perth Stadium

Travball 1-0 Bazball: Head’s big numbers add up to a damning zero for England

Australia's Travis Head acknowledges the applause from spectators as he walks back after his dismissal on day teo of the first Ashes Test
Australia's Travis Head acknowledges the applause from spectators as he walks back after his dismissal on day teo of the first Ashes Test. Photograph: Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images

In short, England tried to play a certain style of Test cricket. Travis Head succeeded at it. As his numbers grew on the second afternoon here, what they represented grew more astonishing.

A normal 16 runs from 20 balls became brisk at 26 from 23. By the time it was 50 from 37, the frame of the usual had disappeared. Soon it was 68 from 49. Yes, players have scored faster now and then, but imagine batting in a fourth-innings Ashes chase on 84 from 59 balls. Imagine coming from behind in the first Test of a series to score 92 from 61.

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