NEW DELHI: Travis Head produced one of the most explosive Ashes innings in recent memory, smashing an unbeaten 100 off just 69 balls to lead Australia's 205-run chase on the second day of the first Test in Perth.

His blistering knock not only swung momentum firmly in Australia's favour but also etched his name into the record books.

Head's hundred is now the second fastest century in Ashes history, underlining the sheer dominance and urgency with which he approached the chase.

Coming out as an opener, he took on the English bowlers from the outset, dispatching anything loose and even putting good deliveries away with authority.

The milestone also saw Head become the joint fastest opening batter to score a Test hundred, a rare feat given the traditional caution associated with the role at the top of the order.

But the most remarkable statistic was that his innings is now the fastest century ever scored in the fourth innings of a Test match chase, a statement of both daring and excellence under pressure.