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Travis Head eventually fell for 152 after scoring the third-fastest Ashes century, propelling Australia to a first-innings lead of 278 at the Gabba.

Travis Head continued where he left off at the Gabba on Friday morning, building on the third-fastest Ashes century to finish with 152 as Australia piled the pain on England.

The left-hander watched from the non-striker's end as the host's strong start was eroded late on Thursday, Australia falling to 5-195 and boasting just a 48-run lead.

Only winning his spot in the side ahead of Usman Khawaja in a line-ball decision, Head started steadily before exploding in an 85-ball century - the third Test hundred for the 27-year-old - to dramatically steal back momentum.

In doing so he became the first man to score a century inside a session in a Gabba Test.

Resuming on 112 on Friday he picked his moments again, launching sixes off Ben Stokes and Mark Wood over mid-off and fine leg respectively, before slamming a 14th four to bring up his 150.

Head was eventually bowled by Wood, his the last wicket to fall as Australia reached 425 to lead by 278.

"I definitely wouldn't say on the ropes," Head said after stumps on Thursday, when asked if England were already staring down the barrel at a long summer Down Under.

"We've had two great days.

"In Australia, you want to keep guys out there as long as possible.

"We know that they'll come back ... we've seen it time and time again.

"We've got to get it right again (on Friday).

"It's a long series. Continue to keep the momentum we've got currently and try not to let that go."