Greg Chappell, the former Australian captain and cricketer has lavished praises on Travis Head for his doughty and luminary fight against the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah of India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. In his column for The Sydney Morning Herald, Chappell would explicate Head’s ability not only to survive but also counter-bat Bumrah, thereby disrupting the rhythm of arguably one of the world’s best bowlers. Among many examples of struggle between batters and the pace of Ahmedabad-born pacer Bumrah, both in unorthodox action and fiery pace, Head stands out performing against Bumrah. Bumrah has snapped 21 wickets from three Tests with the wearying average of 10.90. Though Bumrah has gotten Head out twice, but the left-hander has managed to secure 83 runs against him on an average of 41.5 at a blistering strike rate of 91.2.
Chappell emphasized Head’s fearless intent and proactive mindset in his approach to tackling Bumrah. “Head’s performances against Jasprit Bumrah in this series exemplify his fearless approach,” Chappell wrote.
Chappell further highlighted that “most batsmen fail to survive Bumrah’s action that is unorthodox, pretty sharp pace, and impeccable accuracy, but Head has treated him like any other bowler. By putting intent into his game and playing to score off Bumrah, Head nullified the threat posed by the bowler and disrupted his rhythm.” He attacked Head further tore him apart complimenting him on his technical proficiency in ruling short-pitched ball and precision driving of fuller ones. “His ability to drive fuller ones with precision, along with dispatching short deliveries with authority has been phenomenal, marking strides he has made,” the former Indian head coach added.
The fearless batting exhibited by Head has contributed greatly to Australia’s performances in the series. He smashed a quick-fire 140 in a pink-ball Test when Australia were in a spot of bother at 103/3; that batting tilt was enough to swing matters back in their favour again. Further in the third Test at Brisbane, Head’s fabulous 152 off 160 balls, including an incredible 241-run partnership with Steve Smith, proved that he has the ability to take on world-class bowlers under trying conditions.
Besides his batting talent, Chappell says Head’s across formats of continuous performance and temperament put him in line to succeed Pat Cummins as captain of Australia. “I see Travis as the most improved batter in world cricket over the last three years and in doing so has strengthened his command to become the next Australian captain. At this time, he is the true embodiment of the Australian way of batting in form, Travis,” wrote the 76-year-old.
Like that of earlier Australian players Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy, Chappell also matched his comments with their praise of Head. “I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen when he was batting in the Brisbane Test,” remarked Chappell.
1-1, thus making the next and critical Boxing Day test in Melbourne, starting Thursday, for both teams.
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