Former Indian cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri has openly praised Australian batsman Travis Head for his excellent batting. He believes that Head's ability to test the 'short ball' quickly and play it correctly helped him succeed in the Border-Gavaskar series. Shastri also jokingly said that India will have to find a medicine for this “headache”.
Travis Head's explosive innings
Head had scored only 11 runs in his first innings of the series, but after that he made a tremendous comeback. In the next three matches, he played brilliant innings of 89, 140 and 152 runs. Especially in the pink ball Test, where his batting helped Australia win by 10 wickets to level the series 1–1.
Head is expert in playing 'short ball'
Speaking in ICC Review, Shastri said,
“I think he's a very smart player. I saw him three years ago, but now he seems completely changed. Especially his expertise in playing 'short ball'. Now he has learned the art of leaving short balls and playing at the right time.”
He also said that Head's ability to test the line and length quickly gives him time to play the best shots.
“It is not necessary to hit a big shot on every short ball. Sometimes the head is ready to leave it, sometimes ready to take a big shot. His technique gives him the power to hit in front of the square.”
batting in head rhythm
Shastri described Head's form as his biggest strength. He said,
“When Hades gets on a roll, it's almost impossible to stop him. His ability to play offside is amazing. This is why he is currently in the best form of his career.”
'Headache' derived from 'head'
Shastri said in a light-hearted manner,
“Travis Head's new nickname should not be 'Travis Head' but 'Travis Headache.' India is searching for a balm for them. This name is perfect for all the problems like foot, ankle and headache.”
Gave a strong reply to Jasprit Bumrah also
Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has troubled almost every batsman of Australia in the series. But Travis Head faced Bumrah with confidence. Shastri said:
“We knew Head was a dangerous player. But the way he played the first shot off Bumrah—a cover drive on the front foot—it made me feel that this player is in his best form.”
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