Head cracked the equal sixth fastest century in Test history when he reached triple figures off just 69 balls in Australia's second innings on Saturday.
Australia's score read 1-146 chasing 205 for victory when Head reached his ton.
69 balls.— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 202512 fours.4 sixes.One of the most extraordinary hundreds you will EVER see.Travis Head, take a bow â�#Ashes pic.twitter.com/KOUFrvkDxX
But Head's heroics wouldn't have come about if it wasn't for an unfortunate injury to Khawaja.Â
Khawaja wasn't eligible to open in Australia's first innings at a sold-out Perth Stadium on Friday after spending too long off the field during England's knock, dealing with a tight back and then back spasms.
It meant Marnus Labuschagne had to open alongside debutant Jake Weatherald, and Steve Smith was forced to come in at No.3.
Weatherald fell for a second-ball duck, Labuschagne struggled to nine off 41 balls while Smith copped a series of body blows on the way to 17.
Khawaja made just two batting at No.4, meaning he has now failed to post a half-century in his past 11 Test innings.
A sore-looking Khawaja trudged off the field again on Saturday to receive more treatment with England struggling at 6-104 in their second dig.
Khawaja wasn't able to return, with Cricket Australia confirming the veteran was suffering lower back spasms.
England were bowled out for 164 at tea on day two - setting Australia a victory target of 205 - but Khawaja wasn't able to open again due to his lengthy stay off the field.Â
This time, Australia opted to throw Head in as opener alongside Weatherald.Â
It worked a charm.
The duo were cautious early, but Head eventually broke the shackles with a series of lusty blows.
Head, who posted just three runs from his first 14 deliveries, struck 12 fours and four sixes on the way to his 10th Test century.
The 31-year-old's knock was reminiscent of Adam Gilchrist's feat against England at the WACA in 2006, when the wicketkeeper/batsman scored a century in a session off just 57 balls.Â
Head's century also came within a session.
Khawaja's poor form - which included a dropped catch at slip on Saturday - and injury troubles means he could be in danger of losing his spot for the second Test at the Gabba, which begins on December 4.
Mitch Marsh and Josh Inglis would be among the contenders looking to earn a spot in the Test XI.
Fans and experts have been quick to criticise Khawaja's decision to play golf the day before the start of the Ashes, but CA chief executive Todd Greenberg didn't have an issue with it.
Almost another wicket, Khawaja can't take the chance. — Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket) November 22, 2025📺Watch #Ashes on ch. 501 or stream via @kayosports: https://t.co/sOOmnqnKOT��BLOG https://t.co/h7Tdw2yAjY🔢MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/2QR5hnIKvJ pic.twitter.com/Ij1qiW92Mc
"It (playing golf before a Test) has held him in good stead over the last couple of years. It's not uncommon for a lot of them to play golf a day prior," Greenberg told SEN.
"Did that correlate to any of the issues? I personally don't think so.
"Usman's a very seasoned campaigner, he knows his body well, and he knows how to get himself prepared for cricket. So I think that (saying golf was to blame) is drawing a long bow.
"A lot of people talk about cricket being played between the ears.
"So getting some time away from being in your hotel or at training I think is really important.
"I noticed Mitch Starc played golf with him, so it certainly didn't impact his performance (given he snared 7-58)."
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