The Impact of Travis Head’s Scoring
Travis Head isn’t just a run-scorer; he’s a quick and relentless one, often taking apart good deliveries in a way that frustrates and deflates bowling attacks. His ability to counter quality balls with aggression sets him apart.
A Nod to “The Test” and the Steven Smith Conundrum
During the 2019 Ashes, a humorous announcement at St John’s Wood tube station asked, “Does anybody know how to get Steven Smith out?” That anecdote was immortalized in Amazon’s The Test. Today, a similar SOS might be going out about Head in some parts of India. Ironically, he entered this Test after three consecutive first-ball ducks at the Gabba.
The Challenge of Dismissing Head
Removing a bogey batter early is always preferable, as it’s significantly harder once they settle in. Head has his weaknesses, but India failed to exploit them in the WTC final in 2023 and possibly again here. HawkEye data shows only 10% of the fast balls he faced were bouncers—a missed opportunity.
Head’s Explosive Start
When Head walked in at No. 5, Jasprit Bumrah was still fresh and deployed quickly. Bumrah sent a short ball towards Head’s chest, but instead of keeping it down, Head pulled it in the air with ease, knowing there was no deep square leg in place. This lack of field adjustment played into Head’s hands.
The Gabba’s Traditional Lengths
On the Gabba pitch, conventional lengths seemed effective against other batters, as evidenced by Akash Deep troubling Smith. But Head’s aggressive approach disrupted this rhythm. His tendency to strike the ball cleanly, rather than defend, changed the game’s dynamic entirely.
Morkel on Bowling to Head
Morne Morkel, India’s bowling coach, highlighted how small the margins are against Head, emphasizing the challenge of limiting his scoring rather than dismissing him outright. Early in his innings, India placed a deep point, recognizing Head’s preference for deliveries coming into him from around the wicket.
Head’s Explosive Century
Head’s aggression was on full display as Australia piled up 130 runs at 4.8 per over during the middle session. Head alone contributed 80 runs en route to his fourth century against India. Even when Bumrah tried a bouncer to cramp him, Head calmly ramped it off his bat’s face—a masterful display of intent.
A Batting Phenomenon
Head’s ability to score off well-bowled deliveries is demoralizing for bowlers. His partner, Steven Smith, praised his incredible eye and knack for finding gaps, making field placement a nightmare. “He’s confident, and the scoreboard moves so fast with him,” Smith noted.
Jadeja’s Missed Opportunity
In the 55th over, Ravindra Jadeja bowled a beauty that nearly caught Head behind. But Head responded by hitting consecutive boundaries off Jadeja’s follow-up deliveries, forcing the spinner to change tactics. His ability to unsettle bowlers immediately after being under pressure is remarkable.
India’s Struggles with Consistency
India’s bowling struggled between the 30th and 50th overs, with Morne Morkel admitting they need improvement in this phase. Mohammed Siraj’s brief injury scare added to the pressure. Head’s relentless aggression pushed India to their limits, leaving them precariously positioned by the end of the day.
