'Worst I've seen': Cricket world stunned by 'awful' Ashes moment

Fans and commentators were left shocked by a frightening moment at the Gabba on Thursday after Travis Head was hit in the body by a brutal beamer just moments after bringing up a brilliant Ashes century.

Head smashed the third-fastest century in Ashes history to put Australia into firm control of the first Test against an undermanned England side.

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The South Australian punished a tiring English attack to reach his third Test hundred off just 85 deliveries as Australia ended day two at 7-343, already 196 runs ahead of England's 147.

However the brilliant innings didn't come without some scary scenes after Mark Wood nailed Head with a frightening full toss moments after he brought up triple figures.

The wild delivery hit Head on the gloves and rebounded into the batter's chin under his helmet grill.

Head stayed down for a few seconds but bounced to his feet to assure a concerned Wood he had escaped harm.

"I saw it pretty much the whole way; lucky my hand took a bit of it," Head said.

"After a couple of seconds I knew I was fine ... he's (Wood's) cool, I'm cool about it, we move on."

Commentators were left shocked by the frightening moment after it appeared as though the Aussie batter had been hit flush on the head.

“That’s one of the worst beamers I’ve seen ... that could’ve been very, very nasty,” Mark Waugh said in commentary for Fox Cricket.

“He actually got out of that really well Travis, he sort of cushioned the blow on his glove and then it flicked him under the chin.”

Adam Gilchrist said: “Deary me! I think he’s in real trouble here.

"Absolutely no doubt about it that that is a big accident and a mistake from Mark Wood.

“Great to see (Head) back on his feet … that could have been horribly damaging.”

While former Test captain Allan Border added: “That is so nasty.”

Travis Head justifies selection with brilliant century

The recalled South Australian only narrowly beat Usman Khawaja for the chance to play in Brisbane.

He's now solidified his spot in Australia's middle order, unbeaten on 112 after notching an 85-ball ton that propelled Australia from danger late on day two.

All his runs came in the final session, Head blazing 12 fours and two sixes after coming to the crease with Australia 3-189 and watching three quick wickets fall after tea.

"I took some chances along the way and I found the first 20 runs really, really tough," Head, who was still trying to process his whirlwind innings, said after play.

"The game opened up, I was able to take my opportunity, but that's not going to happen all the time."

There was no sign of what was to come when Head was just six off 18 balls, before clicking into gear with a bruising pull shot off Ben Stokes.

It was the first of three boundaries in the all-rounder's over, in what proved a crucial moment just as England had clawed their way back into the contest.

Head then took on the spin of Joe Root to accelerate past 50 and dominate a 70-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins (12).

Australia had sprinted past England's first innings of 147 thanks to a 156-run stand between David Warner (94) and Marnus Labuschagne (74).

But the loss of Warner and Cameron Green (0) in successive balls livened up the contest, leaving Head to take the reins and push Australia beyond 300.

with AAP

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