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.
Aiden Markram fell bowled to Jasprit Bumrah after a strong start as South Africa reached 82-1 at the first break of the second Test against India on Saturday in Guwahati.
Mercedes driver George Russell led the standings in a caution-filled third and final practice for the Las Vegas Grand Prix ahead of qualifying later on Friday.