Published By: Sanchari Das

This Aussie Batter Becoming India's Biggest 'Head'ache

Credit -- News9live

The Australian southpaw who's made a habit of troubling India across formats and continents

Travis Head continues to haunt the Indian cricket team, delivering yet another outstanding performance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. On Day 2 at the Adelaide Oval, Head smashed an unbeaten 120 off 129 balls, marking his second consecutive half-century in the series. Be it the World Test Championship final or the 2023 ODI World Cup, Head has consistently proven to be India's nemesis across formats. His ability to dismantle attacks has made him a constant headache for the Indian bowlers.

Masterclass in Adelaide

Head's day-night Test credentials shone brightly again on Saturday as he notched his eighth Test century, his third in pink-ball matches. Taking just 111 balls, he broke his own record for the fastest day-night hundred, eclipsing his previous effort of 112 balls against England in Hobart. Laced with 11 fours and three sixes, his innings stabilised Australia after early setbacks. Partnering with Marnus Labuschagne, Head added a crucial 65 runs for the fourth wicket, keeping Australia in the contest.

Perth 2024: A fightback amid chaos

In the first Test in Perth, Head had a mixed outing. The first innings saw him dismissed for a modest 11 off 13 balls, falling to a sensational delivery from Harshit Rana. However, he redeemed himself with a fiery 89 off 101 balls in the second innings, counterattacking the Indian pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and Mohammed Siraj. Despite his efforts, Australia fell short in their chase of 534 runs, losing the match by 295 runs.

WTC Final 2023: A title denied

Head's brilliance dashed India's hopes of securing the World Test Championship title in 2023. His scintillating 163 off 174 balls in the first innings was a game-changer, featuring 25 boundaries and a six. Head's aggressive approach against India's bowlers tilted the match decisively in Australia's favour. Though he scored a modest 18 in the second innings, his first-inning knock was enough to script India's downfall. Jadeja eventually dismissed him, but not before Head had left an indelible mark on the game.

Ahmedabad heroics

Head's adaptability was fully displayed during the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Ahmedabad. Promoted to open alongside Usman Khawaja, Head played a match-altering knock of 90 off 163 balls in the second innings. Though he missed out on a century, his innings, adorned with 10 fours and 2 sixes, solidified Australia's position. Earlier in the match, he contributed 32 runs off 44 balls in the first innings, showcasing his consistency. The match ultimately ended in a draw, but Head's performance stood out.

The pink-ball specialist

Head's love affair with day-night Tests continues to grow. His century in Adelaide reaffirmed his dominance under lights, placing him second only to Marnus Labuschagne in pink-ball hundreds. Labuschagne leads with four such tons, but Head's quick scoring and aggressive mindset make him formidable in the format. His ability to counterattack and maintain a high strike rate ensures his team stays competitive in challenging situations.

What lies ahead?

Head remains unbeaten on 120 as the Adelaide Test unfolds, showing no signs of slowing down. Can he extend his lead and further torment the Indian bowling lineup? Given his recent form, another impactful innings seems inevitable. One thing is clear: Travis Head has become India's biggest 'Head'ache, and his contributions will play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this series.