Travis Head had an honest reaction to a stat revealed to him by reporters during the press conference at the end of day three’s play of the ongoing fifth and final Test between Australia and England in Sydney of the Ashes 2025-26.
England had scored 384 in the first innings, thanks to Joe Root’s brilliant 160 runs. In response, Australia has hammered 518/7 in their first innings, as Travis Head made 163 and Steve Smith is unbeaten on 129* at the end of day three.
During the post-day three press conference, Travis Head was told that he had never scored a double century in Test cricket. This was despite him crossing the 150-run mark in Tests seven times, with his 163 in the ongoing SCG Test being the seventh time. Head’s highest test score is 175, which came against the West Indies.
However, the Australian opener simply and jokingly branded it a 'pretty shit stat,' eliciting a round of laughter from the press box. He went on to say that it doesn't concern him because 'beggars can't be choosers.'
“Beggars can’t be choosers. Pretty shit stat, isn’t it? I’d much rather [score] 160-170 than 0-10, so I can’t complain about that. I probably had a couple of chances this series, but yeah, pegs up and watch the boys go about it. I’m not too worried," Head said.
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Head's 'beggars' phrase refers to his new position as the innings' opener. It's one of the most challenging assignments in Test cricket, with protracted periods of single-digit scores when circumstances are tough.
“I’ve enjoyed it; it’s been good, and I’m very pleased to be able to contribute the way I have here. Something like 600 runs now (in the series). I’m not normally the one that’s doing the heavy lifting as such. The likes of Marnus (Labuschagne) and Smudge (Steve Smith) over the last period of time have been the heavy-lifters and the guys that have really, really driven games, and Davey (Warner). I’ve been very lucky to bat around those guys. So nice to pull my finger out and help them out on the other side,” Head said.
Head was asked to open the innings on an emergency basis when Usman Khawaja picked up an injury earlier in the Ashes
