Travis Head v Harry Brook

Before Bazball, there was Travis Head. He was the one playing on fast-forward during the 2021-22 Ashes, sprinting to 152 at the Gabba in a career-shifting innings. The southpaw has since slashed tons in two finals against India, excelled in challenging Australian conditions, and can break out of a lean patch with a chainsaw-wielding knock. Never mind his three consecutive single-figure scores during Australia’s 3-1 win over India a year ago. He’d already hit consecutive hundreds to turn the direction of the series. Ashes 2025-26: Guardian writers’ predictions for the series Read more

Harry Brook, Head’s counterpart at No 5, plays a similarly wild game. This modern duel feels more significant than the storied battle of Steve Smith v Joe Root, particularly i

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