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Counter-Attacking Masterclass: When Travis Head Stunned India In WTC Final With A Fiery Ton

Travis Head's heroics led Australia to the WTC 2023 final win [Source: @cricketcomau/X]Travis Head's heroics led Australia to the WTC 2023 final win [Source: @cricketcomau/X]

Travis Head, a menacing figure in the world of T20 cricket, etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first-ever centurion in a World Test Championship final. His blistering knock of 100 runs, scored in just 105 balls, against India in the WTC final 2023 stunned the Men in Blue and spectators alike.

Coming into bat at number five, Head was tasked with rebuilding the Australian innings after a shaky start. He embraced the challenge with open arms, launching a counter-attack that stunned the Indian bowlers. 

Head Builds Australia's Lead With Smith

After Travis Head came in at no. 5, his early strokes were a mix of audacious drives and neat flicks, as he raced to 28 runs in just 19 balls. Head then displayed remarkable maturity to consolidate his position and build a solid partnership with Steve Smith. Notably, the southpaw reached his half-century within just 60 balls.

Indian pacers, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj, known for their fiery pace and accurate line and length, struggled to contain Head's onslaught. They resorted to short-pitched bowling, hoping to unsettle the Australian batter. However, Head was unstoppable. With his contribution, the Aussies gathered 97 runs in the second session of the first innings at the cost of one wicket.

Head rattled the Indian bowling lineup with 25 boundaries and a single six amassing 163 runs, before he was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj in the 92nd over in a caught-behind situation. Siraj dismissed Head with a short-pitched ball that he attempted to glance down to fine leg but ended up edging it to K.S. Bharat, who caught the ball, sending Head back to the pavilion. 

A similar situation occurred during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia. In the Perth Test, Australia was struggling at 17 for 4 when Travis Head came to bat. He formed important partnerships with Steve Smith and Mitchell Marsh as they attempted to chase down the challenging target of 534 runs set by India. However, Head was eventually dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah in the 39th over.