NEW DELHI: There is no stopping Travis Head. The star Australian batter continues to rewrite the record books, smashing his third century of this Ashes series on the third day of the fifth and final Test at the SCG on Tuesday to join an illustrious list of cricket greats.

The explosive opening batter became just the fourth player and second Australian to score three tons in an Ashes series this century, after Alastair Cook (2010–11), Matthew Hayden and Michael Vaughan (both in 2002–03).

Head brought up his hundred with the 17th boundary of his innings, adding to an already remarkable series. Earlier, he had struck a rapid 69-ball century in Perth in the first Test - where he was promoted up the order from No. 5 in the second innings due to Usman Khawaja's injury - and followed it up with a commanding 170 in the third Test in Adelaide.

He swung his bat around in a circular motion to celebrate, then put his batting helmet on top of the bat handle and held it aloft to the Sydney Cricket Ground crowd. Head's blitzkrieg came to an end at 163 off 166 balls, laced with 24 fours and a six, when he was trapped plumb in front by Jacob Bethell.

He hit the first six of the innings and then surpassed 150 with another boundary to take him to 153 from 152 balls.

Head had a big reprieve when he was dropped on 121 by Will Jacks from Brydon Carse's bowling. Head hit a short ball out to mid-wicket where Jacks got two hands to it but put down a regulation chance.