Former England skipper Eoin Morgan was surprised by the hosts’ short ball tactics against Travis Head on the third day’s play of the third Ashes Test match at Leeds, Headingley on Saturday. Head scored a crucial knock of 77 runs to help Australia post 224 runs in the second innings and give a target of 251 runs to the hosts.
In fact, the England bowlers were able to keep Travis Head at bay with their short-ball ploy. However, when Todd Murphy joined forces with Head, Australia reeling at 170-8, the latter decided to take on the attack against the England bowlers, who were trying to bounce out the left-hander.
The plan didn’t work as Head scored 43 runs off the next 30 balls in quick time and also added a crucial stand of 41 runs with Murphy for the ninth wicket to help Australia go past the 200-run mark.
Morgan was surprised that England didn’t bowl enough in the good length area as there was enough swing for the pacers.
The World Cup-winning captain told Sky Sports, “I’m really baffled by this plan. Perfect bowling conditions, the lights are on. It can be a balance of both given the context and importance of breaking this partnership. Conditions are all in England‘s favour. I understand why they are going with the short ball, but look at the level of swing we have seen just in this small period. Shadows are down.”
“I was surprised by the plan of attack to Head. Maybe a bit of movement with those overhead conditions. They went short, no slips. I was really surprised, I thought they should have got it up there with a couple of slips. ”
On the other hand, former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara showered praise on Travis Head for playing short pitched bowling with aplomb.
He said on Sky Sports, “We can talk forever about his problems with the short ball, but he still finds a way to score runs. Every single time. They go at his body, they go down the leg side, they go at his head, Travis Head still scores runs. Something to be admired.”
England need 224 runs to win the third Test match whereas Australia need 10 wickets to retain the Ashes.
