Australia’s Travis Head reacts after scoring century in Adelaide. (AP Photo)

Travis Head etched his name alongside cricketing royalty on Friday, joining an elite club that includes Don Bradman after scoring a century in four consecutive Tests at the same venue, as Australia tightened their grip on the Ashes with a dominant display at the Adelaide Oval.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Head’s unbeaten hundred on day three of the third Test against England made him only the fifth batter in Test history to score centuries in four successive matches at a single Australian ground. More significantly for Australian fans, he became just the second player after Michael Clarke to achieve the feat at Adelaide, a venue where Head has now built a remarkable legacy.

The list he now features in underlines the magnitude of the achievement: Bradman at Melbourne, Wally Hammond at Sydney, Steven Smith at Melbourne, Clarke at Adelaide — and now Head, whose Adelaide run spans Tests against West Indies (twice), India and England between 2022 and 2025.

Hundreds in four consecutive Tests at an Australian venue

Batting on his home ground, the South Australian favourite brought up his Ashes hundred in memorable fashion, lofting Joe Root straight down the ground before removing his helmet, kissing the turf and saluting the crowd and his wife in the stands. It was a deeply personal moment for Head, who later admitted it was a childhood dream to score an Ashes hundred in Adelaide.This was not a typical Head innings built purely on aggression. Instead, he showed restraint and maturity, grinding through difficult phases before accelerating once set. His century came off 146 balls and lifted Australia to a commanding position, with the hosts closing on 271 for 4 and a massive 356-run lead, effectively sealing Ashes retention.Head’s Adelaide dominance is staggering. In his last four Tests at the venue, he has scored 175 and 38 not out against West Indies in 2022, followed by 119 (vs WI) and 140 ( vs IND) in 2024, and now an unbeaten century against England. Nine of his last 10 Test hundreds have ended in Australian victories, the lone exception being a rain-affected draw against India at the Gabba.

Travis Head in last four Tests at the Adelaide Oval

Already known as a big-match player after centuries in a World Test Championship final and an ODI World Cup final, Head once again delivered on the biggest stage. With nearly 50,000 fans roaring him on, Adelaide witnessed another chapter in a career increasingly defined by moments that matter most.

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Bill (SHANTI), 2025, clearing the way for a major overhaul of India’s civil nuclear framework. The Bill was approved by voice vote during the ongoing Winter Session amid a walkout by most opposition members. Introduced earlier this week by minister of state for the department of atomic energy Jitendra Singh, the legislation marks a significant policy shift by opening parts of the nuclear energy sector to private participation for the first time.According to Singh, the Bill is intended to “modernise India’s nuclear framework in line with contemporary technological, economic and energy realities, while retaining and strengthening core safety, security and regulatory safeguards that have been in place since the Atomic Energy Act of 1962”.The government pointed to gaps in the current regime, including inadequate safety coverage across the nuclear lifecycle, limited regulatory powers and a post-accident focus on compensation rather than prevention. The SHANTI Bill introduces a consolidated legal structure that brings regulation, enforcement, civil liability and dispute resolution under a single statute.

Here’s what you need to know about the SHANTI Bill

Accelerate nuclear power growth: The Bill aims to promote the growth of nuclear energy and its applications across a range of sectors, aligning with the country’s target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047. Private firms allowed to enter: A major change under the bill is the entry of private enterprises into civil nuclear operations, which was, till now, reserved for government entities,. The Bill allows private companies and joint ventures to get authorisation for establishing and operating nuclear facilities, as well as transport nuclear fuel. However, the government pointed out that sensitive operations such as uranium enrichment, spent fuel handling and heavy water manufacturing will still remain exclusively under the control of the Central government. Similarly, oversight of radioactive materials and radiation-producing equipment will also continue under the Centre to ensure that safety standards are maintained.Statutory regulator: The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) will be given statutory status, giving it the power to inspect facilities, investigate incidents, issue binding directions and suspend or cancel operations that fail to meet safety standards.Licensing reforms: A clear licensing regime will define who can build and operate nuclear facilities, strengthening accountability, ET reported.Embeds safety measures: Safety oversight will be legally embedded across the entire lifecycle of nuclear facilities, from construction and operation to transport, storage, decommissioning and waste management. Activities involving radiation exposure will require explicit safety authorisation in addition to operational licences. The Bill also introduces a specialised nucleartribunal to resolve disputes. Changes to nuclear liability provisions: Another significant aspect of the Bill is the modification of the nuclear liability framework to encourage investment while limiting risks. The law removes the clause related to the liability of suppliers of nuclear equipment. Singh said that the Bill provides for “a pragmatic civil liability regime for nuclear damage” and does not dilute compensation to victims. He said operator liability has been rationalised through graded caps linked to reactor size, aimed at encouraging newer technologies such as small modular reactors, while ensuring full compensation through a multi-layered mechanism. He added that supplier liability was removed after considering global practices and advances in reactor safety, while negligence and penal provisions would continue to be enforceable under the law.

MUMBAI: Mumbai-based builder Neeraj Vora, Director of Aiko Builders Pvt Ltd, was booked for allegedly cheating a Vasai-based construction businessman of crores in a real estate deal linked to a Mira Road land parcel. The Manikpur police on Monday registered an FIR against Vora for cheating and forgery. The complainant, Akash Gupta, alleged that in 2021, Vora approached him seeking funds to develop a 2-acre 25.75-guntha land at Mira Road, Thane, promising to allot 100,000 sq ft at the rate of Rs 2,970 per sq ft. Vora allegedly claimed ownership of the land and informed Gupta that a total investment of Rs 30 crore was required to develop the project. Based on this assurance, an MoU was executed on September 15, 2021. Between September 21 and September 29, 2021, Gupta transferred a total amount of Rs 2.75 crore to Vora through multiple RTGS transactions. The complainant stated that on September 30, 2021, Vora issued written acknowledgements, receipts, and transaction documents confirming receipt of the money. As security for the deal, Vora allegedly handed over 26 cheques amounting to approximately Rs 31 crore. The FIR further states that in January 2022, Vora informed Gupta that he entered into a joint development agreement with another builder for the same land but reassured him that the 100,000 sq ft promised under their agreement would be allotted only to him. Despite repeated follow-ups, Gupta alleged that Vora neither started development work nor handed over the promised land. On January 15, 2023, a fresh agreement was allegedly executed, under which Vora agreed either to allot the land as promised or to buy it back at a higher rate of Rs 5,841 per sq ft, assuring substantial returns. As per this arrangement, Vora was required to pay Rs 31.46 crore to Gupta. However, the complainant alleged that only Rs 1.30 crore was returned, leaving Rs 30.16 crore outstanding. Gupta further claimed that during this period, Vora transferred or dealt with the same land parcel in favour of others while retaining the money paid by him. Alleging that the funds were misappropriated for personal use and that the assurances were made with dishonest intent, Gupta approached Manikpur police and lodged a formal complaint. Police officials said the FIR was registered, and an investigation is underway to examine the bank transactions, agreements, land records, and the role of Aiko Builders Pvt Ltd.

The Adani Group plans to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in its airports business over the next five years, betting on strong and sustained growth in India’s aviation sector, according to Jeet Adani, director of Adani Airports. Speaking to news agency PTI ahead of the launch of commercial operations at Navi Mumbai International Airport, he said the group remains highly bullish on the industry’s long-term prospects.“On the airport side, Rs 1 lakh crore in the next five years,” Jeet Adani was quoted by news agency PTI, adding that India’s aviation ecosystem could grow at 15–16 per cent annually for the next decade or more. He pointed to low per-capita air travel in India compared to China, noting that even reaching Chinese levels would require the sector to expand across multiple cities.Navi Mumbai International Airport is set to begin commercial operations on December 25, marking a major expansion of the group’s airport portfolio. The project is being developed by Navi Mumbai International Airport Ltd, in which the Adani Group holds a 74 per cent stake. Built at an initial cost of Rs19,650 crore, the airport’s first phase will be able to handle 20 million passengers a year, with capacity planned to scale up to 90 million passengers over time.Jeet Adani said the new airport would ease pressure on Mumbai’s existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which has faced capacity constraints for years. “Mumbai Airport was supply constrained from 2016 onwards and wasn’t able to service the additional demand that was coming through,” he said, adding that the commissioning of Navi Mumbai would finally bring some relief.Calling the opening a landmark moment for Indian aviation, he said the project still has significant room to grow. “There is four times growth still left to do,” he noted.Beyond Mumbai, the Adani Group operates six other airports, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Jaipur and Mangaluru, and had earlier acquired Mumbai airport from the GVK Group. Jeet Adani said the group plans to bid “very aggressively” for all 11 airports identified for the next round of privatisation.On investments in aircraft services such as MRO and flight simulation training centres, he said it was too early to commit numbers, though the group remains deeply invested in expanding its expertise. “We want to keep growing our expertise and our depth,” he said.Through Adani Airport Holdings Ltd, the group is now India’s largest airport infrastructure operator, controlling about 23 per cent of passenger traffic and roughly 33% of cargo movement nationwide. Alongside capacity upgrades, the company is also expanding non-aeronautical services and city-side developments, as it looks to build diversified revenue streams.

PUNE: Pune reported yet another leopard sighting, this time in Keshavnagar, during the night between Wednesday and Thursday, triggering heightened alert among residents and prompting visits by forest officials. CCTV footage from housing societies confirmed the animal’s movement between two adjacent residential complexes in the area. The leopard was first spotted around 2:27 am at Konark Riva, after which it was seen entering Alcon Silverleaf, both located within the same premises. Sudhir Srivastava, director of the Keshavnagar Welfare Associations (KENWA), said security guards at Konark Riva noticed the animal coming from the direction of a nearby sewage treatment plant.

“It came from behind our society, crossed our main gate and then moved towards Alcon Silverleaf. It passed right in front of the security guard there. After spotting it, our guard ran into his cabin and locked himself in,” Srivastava told TOI. He added that Konark Riva and Alcon Silverleaf are two societies within a single campus. Following the sighting, security measures across the premises have been stepped up. “I have instructed residents not to step out after 9 pm. Children should not be outside without a guardian, and morning walks have also been discouraged for now,” Srivastava said. A team from the forest department visited both societies on Thursday morning and found fresh pugmarks in the soft soil near open patches, indicating recent movement of the animal. Officials said the paw prints were clearly visible in damp soil close to the periphery, consistent with CCTV footage timings. A senior forest department official told TOI that the leopard’s likely entry point was from the Manjari side, which has large tracts of open land and farmland. “It could also have moved along the Mula-Mutha river edge. Keshavnagar itself is a compact, built-up area, so these are the most probable routes,” the official said, adding that monitoring is underway. The Keshavnagar sighting comes close on the heels of recent leopard sightings reported from Aundh and Bavdhan, where the animal was seen on separate occasions but has since remained untraceable. Forest officials said such movements are not unusual, as Pune has multiple leopard habitats on its outskirts, and animals occasionally stray into urban pockets, especially at night.

Fans erupted in jubilation at Adelaide Oval on Day 3 of the third Ashes Test between Australia and England, started December 17, 2025, as the hosts powered to a commanding 356-run lead by stumps. Travis Head‘s masterful unbeaten 142 anchored the second innings at 271/4 after Australia’s first-innings 371 and England’s reply of 286, turning the match decisively in their favour amid a run rate of 4.10. With 53,696 spectators roaring, the Baggy Greens dominated proceedings, leaving England facing a mountain to climb in the 2025-26 Ashes series.​

Travis Head’s century propels Australia to driving seat on Day 3 of Adelaide Test

Head produced a commanding innings that completely shaped the course of the match, remaining unbeaten on a magnificent 142 from 196 balls. His knock, laced with fluent strokeplay, included 13 fours and two towering sixes, with the left-hander bringing up his century in the 49th over after Australia reached the 200-run mark.

The innings did not come without early adversity, as Australia lost Jake Weatherald cheaply and then Marnus Labuschagne soon after, leaving the side under pressure. Head, however, showed composure and intent, stitching together a crucial partnership with Usman Khawaja that steadied the innings and gradually shifted momentum back in Australia’s favour. Khawaja’s dismissal for 40 briefly opened the door for England, and Cameron Green’s short stay added to the uncertainty, but Head refused to let the initiative slip.

As the innings wore on, he grew in confidence, attacking the bowlers with authority and accelerating the scoring rate significantly in the final phase. His aggressive finish ensured Australia ended the day on a strong note, while his innings also served as a timely response to critics after a low score in the first innings, once again underlining his reputation for delivering decisive performances on big occasions.

Alex Carey’s blistering counterattack seals Australian dominance in 3^rd Ashes Test

Alex Carey once again proved to be Australia’s calm backbone as he stitched together a decisive partnership with Travis Head to push the hosts firmly in control on Day 3. Carey played a measured yet positive knock, remaining unbeaten on 52, as he and Head added an unbroken 122 runs for the fifth wicket after tea. The duo ensured Australia sailed past the 250-run mark with ease, capitalising on a tiring England bowling attack that struggled for discipline and leaked crucial extras.

Carey’s innings came on the back of his superb first-innings century, which had earlier helped Australia recover from a shaky position, highlighting his impeccable sense of timing and match awareness. England’s bowlers, despite long spells, failed to apply sustained pressure as boundaries and singles kept the scoreboard moving.

Earlier in the day, Australia’s bowlers had set the tone by bowling England out for 286, with skipper Pat Cummins leading from the front alongside Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon. Ben Stokes fought hard with a gritty 83 and shared a late resistance with Jofra Archer, but the stand was not enough to halt Australia’s momentum. With runs flowing and England visibly worn down, the third day firmly tilted the match in Australia’s favour, leaving them well placed to press for victory.

Also READ: Ashes 2025–26: Fans erupt as Travis Head hits dazzling century on Day 3 of Adelaide Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

TRAVIS HEAD – THE MAN FOR AUSTRALIA. 😍

Tests ✅
ODIs ✅
T20Is ✅

I think Head is the most impactful batter in International cricket in this Decade. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/bnW5JNghjh

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 19, 2025

HUNDRED BY TRAVIS HEAD IN THE ASHES.

– A superb innings by Head, his fantabulous form continues. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Zc3yxaDdab

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 19, 2025

1️⃣1️⃣ Test hundred for Travis Head 💯#TravisHead #AUSvsENG #Ashes2025 pic.twitter.com/Xa3L8h4eW3

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 19, 2025

Adelaide’s very own delivers on the Ashes stage yet again! 🙌💯

[Travis Head | Play With Fire | AUS vs ENG] pic.twitter.com/HOwMYqNooq

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) December 19, 2025

Half a decade has passed and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Travis Head has been the best men’s cricketer so far. pic.twitter.com/40hNax6jna

— Saksham Agarwal (@Saksham319) December 19, 2025

Surprised to see that Alex Carey is the first Australian keeper to score a 100 and a 50 in a men’s Test match.#Ashes #AUSvENG pic.twitter.com/80MFgNe2sD

— Daniel Viles (sport) (@WombatCatcher) December 19, 2025

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟔 🔥
122 — Travis Head & Alex Carey*

STUMPS on Day 3:
Australia finish at 271/4, leading by a massive 356 runs.
Dominant. Ruthless. Unstoppable. 🇦🇺🔥#Ashes2025 #AUSvsENG #TravisHead #AlexCarey pic.twitter.com/i4pAN7dT0k

— Mr. Cricket UAE (@mrcricketuae) December 19, 2025

Well Played!! Travis Head 142* & Alex Carey 52*. The hometown boys are shining in Adelaide. 😍🇦🇺👏🏻 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/aB36ah98n5

— Red Devils (@OldTraffordMen) December 19, 2025

STUMPS – DAY 3: Australia in total control! 🏏🇦🇺

AUS: 371 & 271/4 (66 overs)

ENG: 286

Lead: 356 runs 📈

Travis Head (142*) and Alex Carey (52*) have put on a masterclass. England’s Ashes hopes are fading faster than the Adelaide sunset. 📉🌅#Ashes2025 #AUSvENG #Cricket pic.twitter.com/rZRZtbw24t

— Arun R Arya (@arunarya6396) December 19, 2025

Travis Head (142*) and Alex Carey (52*) have put Australia in a dominant position at the end of Day 3 at 271/4 with a lead of 356

England need a miracle https://t.co/hYHA1RAD4S

— Mike (@MIKE_CAVS_UK) December 19, 2025

Alex Carey in the Adelaide Test:

– Hundred in the 1st innings.
– Fifty in the 2nd innings.

Alex Carey is having a memorable Test match on his home ground, what a year he’s having. 👏#AlexCarey #AUSvENG #Ashes #ashes25 #TheAshes pic.twitter.com/PRZB5NOOZi

— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) December 19, 2025

Also WATCH: Mitchell Starc castles Ben Stokes with absolute jaffa on Day 3 of Adelaide Test