It wasn't Jasprit Bumrah who made Travis Head nervous on Day 2 of the third Test between India and Australia in Gabba but ace spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Travis Head, who struck a scintillating century, openly admitted that he was little nervous while starting against Jadeja in Brisbane.
Head yet again took India bowlers to cleaners and hammered another century in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He also didn't spare the formidable Jasprit Bumrah and counterattacked to put Australia in drivers seat. Head's century was laced with 18 boundaries.
After the end of Day 2, in the post-match presentation Head acknowledged Bumrah's relentless pressure and wicket-taking abilities. Despite the challenging conditions, Head played a crucial role in shifting the momentum in Australia's favor.
The star southpaw also attributed his exceptional show to his 241-run partnership with Steve Smith.
“He bowled brilliantly, 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. I just enjoy what I do; I just want to play well for the team, for the guys on the team, and I'm enjoying it,” Head said after the match.
When asked about facing spin and the new ball, Head admitted to feeling some initial nerves against Ravindra Jadeja. However, he quickly found his rhythm and dominated the Indian spinner. Having faced Jadeja numerous times before, Head displayed a calm and composed approach, demonstrating his readiness to tackle the challenges posed by the left-arm spinner. However, Jadeja remained wicketless on Day 2 in which he bowled 16 overs and conceded 76 runs.
“I have played enough against India; I've had a blueprint, and I was a bit nervous to start against spin; I was happy with the way I started against him today (on Ravindra Jadeja). The new ball will do something throughout the game; I can't see too far ahead of the game, but 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,” Head concluded.
Head replicated his Adelaide success in Gabba and continued his dominant form against India, slamming his second century of the series. His 152-run knock, laced with 18 fours was coupled with Steve Smith's 32nd Test ton put Australia on driving seat in the crucial match. With Head and Smith in full flow, Australia posted 405/7 on the board. Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc remained unbeaten on 45 and 7, respectively. While Jasprit Bumrah managed to claim five wickets, Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Reddy picked up one wicket each.
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