Australia’s swashbuckling batter Travis Head has revealed that his plan was to put the pressure on the Indian bowlers after the Aussies registered a convincing 10-wicket win in the second pink-ball Test match at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday to make it 1-1 in the series.
Head continued to be a headache for the Indian bowlers, smashing almost a run-a-ball knock of 140 runs to help Australia take a healthy lead of 157 runs. The left-hander was able to hit the ground running and scored his eight Test century to continue his love affair with the Indian bowlers as well as the Adelaide Oval.
The pugnacious southpaw scored 17 fours and four maximums in his blistering knock as he batted at the top of his game. Head also had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped on 76 runs by Mohammed Siraj. Furthermore, Rishabh Pant didn’t attempt his catch with first slip, Rohit Sharma, standing wide.
Head was awarded Player of the Match for his whirlwind knock as he helped Australia in leveling the series.
Head said in the post-match presentation while talking to Adam Gilchrist, “Nice to get some runs again. I felt like I moved well last week, I felt like I am in good form. It’s a good dressing room to be in, it’s a tight one, most people might suggest otherwise. Putting a good performance in, nothing was ever guaranteed, nice momentum and now we have to move on with it. It wasn’t talked about (to bowl in the final session on day two), Pat gives me great confidence. I can see the game and play the game how I want to see it.”
He added, “I felt like there was a good opportunity with that second new ball. Tried to get as many as we could get and put them under pressure. It was a hot couple of days. Felt like the new ball was going to be tough work. Nice that it was able to come off. I picked the moments really well throughout the innings and we were able to get the ball rolling. (Century celebration) Did it with Miller as well, nice to have them (family) here and it’s been a nice week.”
Head will look to continue his prime form for Australia in the rest of the series. The third Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Gabba, Brisbane from December 14.
