Australia’s Travis Head has been a nightmare for the Indian bowlers in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. With three games under his belt, Head has continued his love-affair with India, scoring a phenomenal 409 runs at an average of over 81 so far. His explosive performances, including centuries at his home Adelaide and Gabba, have been the reason why Australia have looked a far better side in BGT. However, India’s own Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced his retirement recently, has thrown light on how India might be aiming to neutralise Head’s dominance.
R Ashwin observes technical shift by Head
R Ashwin, renowned for his sharp cricketing insights, took to social media to highlight a tactical adjustment by Head. During a net session ahead of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne, Head was seen shuffling towards the off-stump to counter deliveries from around the wicket—a strategy Indian bowlers had previously exploited. Ashwin expressed his surprise on Twitter, commenting, “Omg! He is getting to the off stump? Is that the ploy for round the stumps?”
It was fascinating that Ashwin commented on video that was of the sole purpose of showing that Travis Head is fit and upbeat about the Boxing Day Test. With his keen mind, Ashwin dissected how Head could be planning to counter India’s strategy against him.
Travis Head will continue to be a thorn for India at MCG
Despite recent concerns over a groin injury from the previous match, Head has been declared fit and included in Australia’s XI for the Boxing Day Test. His presence will be crucial as he looks to build on his impressive run of scores, which includes a match-winning 152 at the Gabba. With Head looking more solid than ever, the onus will be on Jasprit Bumrah to solve the “Travis Head problem.” Bumrah, with his precision and ability to exploit angles, could be key to disrupting Head’s rhythm. The battle between Bumrah’s lethal deliveries and Head’s improved technique promises to be a fascinating subplot at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
