Steve Smith hailed Travis Head’s explosive 69-ball century that won Australia the first Ashes Test on Saturday as one of the best he had ever seen.

It was the third-fastest ton ever by an Australian to power them to an eight-wicket victory over England in Perth.

Head surged to three figures off just 69 balls, crunching 12 fours and four sixes after being elevated to the top of the order in place of the injured Usman Khawaja.

It matched the 69-ball ton hit by David Warner against India in 2012 and is third only to Adam Gilchrist’s 57-ball blitz against England in 2006 and Jack Gregory versus South Africa more than a century ago.

The fastest century of all time is Brendon McCullum’s 54-ball fireworks in Christchurch against Australia in 2016.

“It’s got to be right up there. Wow. That was incredible to witness,” said stand-in captain Smith.

“That innings from Travis Head was out of this world. He played some outrageous shots and even when he mistimed a few, they still seemed to find the gap.

“It was just one of those days where everything went his way, and he made the absolute most of it to get us home.”

HIGHLIGHTS: Australia vs England (1st Test, Day 2)

Head’s heroics came on the back of a blistering spell from marauding pace pair Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc after lunch that sparked a stunning England collapse.

The tourists were cruising at 65-1 and building an ominous second-innings lead, but Boland and Starc left them shell-shocked with four wickets in as many overs.

England staged a mini-recovery but were all out for 164 on the cusp of tea.

“To be able to contribute the way I did, it feels pretty special,” said Head, adding that he was still processing what had happened.

“It’s all happened so quickly. Maybe it’ll sink in tonight, or maybe in a few days.”

Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images