Travis Head scores 117-ball double century; dedicates knock to Philip Hughes

Head and Ferguson shared a 278-run stand for the third wicket that guided Redbacks to victory

West End Redbacks skipper Travis Head dedicated his match-winning double century on the opening day of the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup to former teammate and close friend Phillip Hughes, who passed away under tragic circumstances last year. An emotional Head looked up to the heavens upon reaching his century, which was his first since Hughes’ untimely death, cricket.com.au reports.

Former Australian cricketer, Dean Jones had in the aftermath of Hughes’ death last year after getting hit on the back of the head during a match, talked about the bond Hughes shared with his teammates.

“Phillip Hughes was a much-loved player at South Australia. Young players like Travis Head and Kelvin Smith idolised and watched his every move on the field or at training,” Jones had said according to Sydney Morning Herald.

So it was no surprise that Head dedicated his knock to his former teammate. Speaking after the match, Head said: "I guess there's that emotion. I was looking up at Hughesy and I hadn't got one since (he passed) so it was a pretty big moment. I just wanted to start the tournament really well and hopefully he's looking down.”

Head ended up at 202 as his side successfully chased down the target of 351 and the score had a special connection to Hughes as well as his highest List A score was also 202, a fact Head was well and truly aware off.

Head looks up to the heavens after reaching his century

"I actually equalled his highest score in one-day cricket, but unfortunately, he was not out so he'd be into me for that!," Head quipped.

The knock by Head helped the Redbacks chase down Western Australia’s total of 351 with six wickets and 21 balls to spare in the match played at Sydney’s Hurstville Oval. Playing in his 21^st List A match, this was the 21-year-old’s second century and the innings was special in more ways than one.

He became the side’s youngest skipper in history replacing Johan Botha and leading his side for the first time, ever, Head recorded the highest individual one-day score for his side. Head, who hit 20 fours and 12 sixes, was well supported by Callum Ferguson, who scored 112 off 118 balls and the duo put on 278 for the third wicket as they pulled off an upset against the defending champions.

The Redbacks had only won two one-day games in the past two seasons and Head himself was going through a wretched run of form. He had not scored a century across the Sheffield Shield and one-day cup tournaments in 41 matches and had only scored 200 runs in total in his past nine matches.

A century had eluded him in 41 matches for South Australia across Sheffield Shield and the one-day cup prior to today and he was understandably delighted to reach three figures.