Adelaide [Australia], December 8: Australian batter Travis Head delivered a stunning 140-run knock off 141 balls, continuing his remarkable run against India during the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar lauded Head’s aggressive approach and mentality, comparing his batting style to India’s Rishabh Pant.
“Travis Head looks at every ball as a scoring opportunity. That’s what makes him dangerous and successful, particularly against India. His bat speed, attitude, and intent set him apart, and he has delivered consistently,” Gavaskar said while speaking to Star Sports.
Record-Breaking Performance
Head’s innings, played at a strike rate of 99.29 and laced with 17 boundaries and 4 sixes, broke multiple records in day-night Test cricket. He became the second batter with the most hundreds in pink-ball Tests, with three centuries to his name. Fellow Australian Marnus Labuschagne tops the list with four centuries.
Notably, Head also recorded one of the fastest centuries in day-night Tests, reaching the milestone in just 111 balls. His innings set the tone for Australia’s dominant position in the ongoing match.
Head’s Impressive Record Against India
Travis Head has established himself as a formidable opponent for India in Test cricket. In 12 Tests and 21 innings against India, Head has scored 955 runs at an average of 47.75, including two centuries and four fifties. Across all formats, he has amassed 1,555 runs in 29 matches at an average of 44.42.
In his last ten innings against India, including the ongoing match, Head has been in scintillating form, scoring 728 runs at an average of 72.80, with three centuries and two fifties. His recent standout performances include a knock of 163* during the World Test Championship Final and a match-winning 137 in the ODI World Cup Final.
Australia Closer to Victory
Head’s explosive batting helped Australia take control of the pink-ball Test. At the close of Day 2, India was struggling at 128/5, trailing by 29 runs, with Australia eyeing another dominant day-night Test victory.