Travis Head century punishes England in Hobart

England’s sloppy performance was punished by a swashbuckling century from Australia’s Travis Head on day one of the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart.

Grabbing the chance to bowl first on the greenest of surfaces with the pink ball, England were initially excellent in reducing the home side to 12-3.

However, amid the early chaos, Marnus Labuschagne was dropped on nought, a mistake from Zak Crawley that proved crucial.

Labuschagne counter-attacked for 44 in a rapid stand of 71 with Head, who continued to climb into the England attack in a partnership of 121 with Cameron Green.

Head, recalled after missing the fourth Test as a result of contracting Covid-19, made his second century of the series from 112 deliveries, only to be dismissed next ball for 101.

Green fell for 74 shortly before rain ended the day with more than 30 overs unused and Australia on 241-6.

While that would ordinarily seem like a decent return for England, the conditions, the turnaround from the early wickets and the prospect of run-scoring being difficult in the remainder of the match probably means Australia have had the better of the day.

To compound England’s problems, Ollie Robinson bowled only eight overs because of a back spasm.

Chief Scores

Australia: 241/6 (Head 101, Green 74) (BBC)