Australia dropped a bombshell when they decided to snub their best Test batter of the summer – Travis Head – from the opening Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series against India. Head scored a quickfire knock of 43 runs in the second innings at Delhi and scored an unbeaten knock of 49 runs in the second essay of the Indore Test when Australia was chasing 76 runs to prove his mettle.
The southpaw has scored 113 runs in two Test matches at an average of 37.67. Head is known for his aggressive batting display and he has scored his runs at an impressive strike rate of 83.70 in the series.
The left-hander showed resistance in the opening hour of Day 3 of the third Test and then took on the attack against Ravichandran Ashwin to help Australia chase down the under-par score. Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden slammed the Australian selectors and team management for ignoring Head in the opening Test.
Matthew Hayden said to foxsports.com.au: “Travis Head should have been just about the No.1 pick in that side. He was brilliant last (Australian) summer. Who cares what happened a few years ago, he was in the form! Needed to play that (first) Test. Now he is showing exactly why you pick him. He has got wonderful intent to score, his strike rate is enormous. Gets that momentum and that belief in the batting changeroom. He is a mover and a shaker.”
On the other hand, Travis Head was delighted after playing an instrumental role in the success and he also admitted that not everything goes your way.
Head said after the win in third Test, “It’s nice to contribute. Not everything goes your way and it’s never always going to be clear sailing. So, nice to stay prepared, the coaching staff and players and the vibe that we’ve created has meant we can get on with the job and make sure when that chance comes I’m ready enough to take it.”
Australia did a fine job in the third Test match as they registered a nine-wicket win. Head and Australia will look to continue the momentum in the fourth Test match, which will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad from Thursday onwards.
