Head century crushes England's hopes as Australia eye Ashes win

ADELAIDE, Dec 19 : ‌Travis Head proved England's nemesis once again as he scored his second century of the Ashes to carry Australia toward a seemingly inevitable series triumph on day three at Adelaide Oval on Friday.

Head's unbeaten 142 in front of an adoring home crowd of 53,696 pushed Australia to 271 for four at stumps and a 356-run lead after England were bowled out for 286 in the morning.

Australia lead the five-match series 2-0 after comfortable victories in Perth and Brisbane, and need only a draw in Adelaide to retain the urn as holders.

"We've had another really, really good day," Head told reporters.

"We spoke today about trying to be as ruthless as much as we can ... Tomorrow's another huge day and I ‌think the wicket's deteriorating."

Head's fellow South Australian Alex Carey also cashed in, adding an unbeaten 52, as ‌the local heroes combined in an unbroken 122-run partnership to bang another nail into England's coffin.

Head's century was unwelcome deja vu for the tourists following his sensational 123 off 83 balls in the fourth innings in Perth.

The second ton nearly eluded him, though, when he slashed Jofra Archer low to the gully when on 99, only for Harry Brook to spill a second, costly catch of the test.

The following over, Head smashed Will Jacks over his head for four to bring up the hundred in 146 balls.

The boundary sparked one of the warmest ovations of his sporting career, the 31-year-old getting down on his knees to kiss the ‍pitch where he made his career for state side South Australia.

STOKES NOT AMONG THE BOWLERS

With England captain Ben Stokes looking tired and opting not to bowl, the tourists had no answer to Head despite plugging away for some reward against the other batters.

"From what I understand