New Delhi: Travis Head smashed his second successive century to put Australia in a dominant position over India in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar series at Gabba in Brisbane on Sunday.
Head had scored a match winning ton in Adelaide as Australia levelled the five-match series 1-1 after going down in the first Test at Perth.
The left hander struck 152 runs off 160 balls, including 18 boundaries, as together with Steve Smith (101 off 190) put together a 241-run fourth wicket partnership.
It put Australia in a strong position as the hosts ended the second day at 405 for 7 at stumps as Jasprit Bumrah (5/72) was India’s stand out bowler for the visiting team.
Head had earlier scored game winning tons in the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final last year. He once again dominated the Indian bowlers as expressed his delight at the way he batted.
‘Pretty special’
“Pretty special to do this after that ton at the Adelaide Oval. It’s all about being as positive as I can, I thought that I had to spend some time in the middle, credit to the top-3 guys for having stuck out against the new ball, it made my task easier and I could play my shots, I felt pretty positive against the new ball, but it was fun to be aggressive,” the left-handed batter said.
Head said his aim is always to bat for long periods of time and enjoyed the manner in which he went about his job.
“I like to play long innings, I would want to bat for a long time. He bowled brilliantly (on Bumrah), bowled wicket taking balls, and was always tough facing up against him. I always enjoyed batting with Steve (Smith), when he bats well, I always go unnoticed, I thought he was moving (his feet) very well, it allowed me to be proactive as well,” he said.
“I just enjoy what I do, I just want to play well for the team, for the guys in the team and I’m enjoying it. I have played enough against India, I’ve had a blueprint, a bit nervous to start against spin, I was happy with the way I started against him today (on Jadeja).
Head said that their new ball bowling could decide who wins the match at Gabba.
“The new ball will do something throughout the game, can’t see too far ahead of the game, hopefully the weather plays up nicely, but the new ball will be crucial. The top-6 (batting) is setting up nicely, hopeful of doing well in Sri Lanka and getting into the WTC final. Very pleased for Smudge, he has had a lot against him and it’s nice to see him get back to his best form,” he said.
Travis Head struck 152 runs off 160 balls, including 18 boundaries, as together with Steve Smith (101 off 190) put together a 241-run fourth wicket partnership. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
