FORMER Ventnor batsman Travis Head smashed a Big Bash-best 71 – including three successive sixes against England discard Ben Stokes.

Adelaide Strikers star Head, who was part of the inaugural intake at the Ageas Bowl International Cricket Academy, needed only 34 balls for the match-winning innings against Melbourne Renegades.

The 21 year-old left-hander, who hit 968 runs at 64.5 for Ventnor in 2013, blitzed seven fours and four sixes – including three at the beginning of Stokes’ only over, which cost 23.

Nathan Rimmington (2-40) took the wickets of Ryan Ten Doeschate and captain Johan Botha.

But Head hit the former Hampshire seamer for 18 off one over, including his other six, and put on 90 in nine overs with fellow rookie Kelvin Smith as Adelaide amassed 166-5.

All-rounder Stokes, who has impressed at the Big Bash since being left out of England’s World Cup squad, top scored with a 19-ball 33 but the Renegades could only manage 144 in reply.

The result ensured that Adelaide Strikers top the Big Bash table, ensuring a home semi-final against the fourth-placed team. Renegades’ fifth defeat means that their interest in the competition is over.