Travis Head’s ability to judge the short ball quite early is at the heart of the Australian batter’s phenomenal success in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series, believes former India cricketer Ravi Shastri, while adding a lighter note that the visitors would like a balm for their ‘headache’. . Head, after being dismissed for 11 in his first innings of the series, scored 89, 140 and 152 in the next three matches. He played a key role in the pink ball Test, which Australia won by 10 wickets to level the five-match series at 1–1.
“I think he (Head) is very smart. From what I saw of him three years ago, he has improved a lot. Especially the way he plays the short ball. times,” Shastri told ICC Review.
The former India coach added that Head’s ability to quickly judge the line and length of a delivery gives him time to play the right shot.
“It’s not always a big hit after a short hit to his armpits or something like that. He’s ready to either ride it or deal a big blow. And if it’s a medium, medium and long shot, then he hits it in front of the area too,” Shastri said.
Indian legend further states that when Head sings, it is difficult to stop him.
“He gains length very well. This is one of his strengths. And he has a brilliant ability to operate offside. So it’s hard to contain it. And he’s in better shape.” On a lighter note, Shastri said India is looking for a “headache balm” called Travis.
“Because his new last name is Travis Head’ach,” Shastri said.
“They are looking for balms in India. For foot problems, ankle problems (and) even headaches people are looking for a balm. It’s perfect for that.” While Jasprit Bumrah gave trouble to almost every Australian batter, Head was the exception, playing with the Indian style of speed and energy.
Even though the other Australian batters struggled against Bumrah, who had 21 wickets at an average of 10.9 in the series, Head scored 83 runs off 91 balls.
“We all knew he was dangerous, but that first shot he hit off Jasprit Bumrah, covering shot, off the front foot. In a lot of ways he was a little bit higher, thanks to a good serve, a decent serve. that this is a player in great, great form,” Shastri said.
The cricketer-turned-commentator said Head’s prowess with the ball provided a glimpse into his uncluttered mind.
“He continued to show just that (clear mind). And the thing is, no, his thinking is very clear. He doesn’t have foggy thinking. He understands the situation very clearly. This is my strength.”
“I will play this way. Yes, I will monitor the state of the game. I can shift from fourth gear to third. But I will always be in third and fourth gear once I look closely,” Shastri added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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