England coach goes gaga over Travis Head’s wonder knock: ‘He’s a serious player….is very tough for us’

England coach Brendon McCullum has heaped praise on Travis Head after the Australian batter’s stunning century on day two of the fifth Ashes Test in Hobart.

Head’s magnificent 101 helped Australia to a first-innings lead of 109 over England, with the tourists finishing the day on 3 for 31 in their second dig.

McCullum described Head’s knock as “very special” and said he was “a serious player” who is “very tough for us”.

“He’s a very good player,” McCullum said.

“He’s got a lot of time, he’s got a lot of skill, and he’s got a lot of courage.

“He’s a serious player and he’s very tough for us.”

Head’s century was his third of the series and his first in front of his home crowd in Hobart.

The 28-year-old was dropped on 19 by Jos Buttler off the bowling of Stuart Broad, but he made the most of his reprieve to reach his second Test century in just 85 balls.

Head’s innings was characterized by his trademark aggression and attacking strokeplay, and he hit 15 fours and a six in his knock.

He was eventually dismissed by James Anderson, caught behind by Buttler, but by then he had done enough to put Australia in a strong position in the match.

McCullum said Head’s innings was “a big moment” for the Australian team.

“It was a big moment for him personally, but it was also a big moment for the team,” McCullum said.

“It gave us a lot of confidence and it put us in a really good position in the game.”

Australia will resume their second innings on day three with a lead of 140 runs, and McCullum said he was confident his team could bat England out of the game.

“We’ve got a lot of batting to do, but I’m confident we can do it,” McCullum said.

“We’ve got the players to do it, and we’ve got the belief to do it.”