England’s veteran Joe Root has showered praise on Travis Head amid the ongoing fifth Ashes Test match at Sydney. After England posted 384 runs on the board, courtesy Joe Root’s magnificent knock of 160 runs, Head continued his rich form in the series.

The Australian opener scored a magnum opus knock of 163 runs off just 166 balls and once again took the English attack to the cleaners. The pugnacious southpaw smashed 24 fours and one six in his blistering knock. 

Head has scored 600 runs in the ongoing Ashes at a stunning average of 66.67. The left-hander has scored his runs at a strike rate of 87.59.

“The way that he can score off the top of the stumps on both sides of the wicket, he makes your margins very small. He’s got such incredible hand-eye coordination. He is always looking to throw punches back in his own way, and he’s got a very clear method of how he wants to do it and trusts it. He’s got a really good understanding of his game, and he’s playing exceptionally well at the minute,” Root told reporters at stumps on Day 2.

Former Australian captain Mark Waugh lauded Head’s attacking batting display. 

“He has batted beautifully. He has put the loose ball away so well. It has been great attacking batting, albeit off some mediocre bowling. The bowling has been poor,” Waugh said on Fox Cricket.

Waugh also said Head’s opening partner Jake Weatherald will need to make runs in the second innings after he was dismissed for 21 runs in the first essay.

“He (Jack Weatherald) needs to make runs in the second innings. He played well for his 70 (in Brisbane), but the rest of his output hasn’t been great. He seems to have lost a bit of confidence. At this stage, he hasn’t convinced me he’s a long-term Test player. But if he’s got runs in the second innings, fair play to him, he holds his spot.” Waugh said.

At stumps on Day three, Australia were 518-7, leading England by 134 runs with Steve Smith remaining unbeaten on 129.