NEW DELHI: Travis Head has been the only Australian batter to consistently defy the Indian bowlers in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This isn’t the first time his batting has troubled India, he also played pivotal roles in their defeats during the ICC World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final last year.
After a modest start with a dismissal for just 11 in his first innings of the series, Head bounced back brilliantly, scoring 89, 140, and 152 in his next three innings.
Considering Head’s form, former India coach Ravi Shastri humorously gave him a new nickname.
“Because his new surname is Travis Head’ache’,” Shastri said on the most recent episode of The ICC Review.
“They are looking for balms in India. For foot problems, ankle problems (and) even a headache they are looking for a balm. He is ideal for that.”
Shastri highlighted the batter’s improved short-ball technique as a key factor in his success.
“I think he is very smart. From what I saw of him three years ago, he has improved immensely. Especially with the way he plays the short ball. He prepared to leave it. He has learned to leave it well at times.”
“It’s not a big shot all the time off a short delivery angled at his armpits or something. He’s prepared to either ride it or go for the big shots. And if it is middle, middle and off, then he hits it in front of square as well.”
“He picks up length very well. That’s one of his great strengths. And he has a flashing blade for the offside. So he’s a hard man to contain. And he’s in the form of his life,” Shastri said.
Although Head has been dismissed by India’s fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, he has also managed to score 83 off 91 balls while facing him. Shastri recalled a particular shot from Head against Bumrah early in one of his innings, which made him realise that the left-handed batter was in exceptional form.
“We all knew he was dangerous, but that first shot he played off Jasprit Bumrah, that cover drive, off the front foot. It was in many ways a little bit on the up, off a good delivery, decent delivery. It told me that this is a player in prime, prime form.”
“He went on to show exactly that. And the thing with him is there’s no, his mindset is very clear. There’s no clouded mindset. He’s very clear about the situation. This is my strength. I am going to play in that fashion. Yes, I will watch the state of the game. I might shift from fourth gear to third gear. But I will always be in third and fourth gear once I get my eye on.”
The ongoing five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is currently locked at 1-1. Australia and India will play the fourth game, which is the Boxing Day Test, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26.